Pest Control for Landlords and Holiday Lets

Why rented properties are different

A rented home or holiday let is occupied by people who do not own it, who may not notice early signs, and who may not know what to do when they find something. A property that stands empty between lets can also let a small problem grow quietly for weeks before anyone sees it.

In Devon there is an added seasonal pattern. Coastal and rural lets are often busy in summer and quiet in winter, which suits some pests well. Wasps, flies and ants peak in warm months while rodents move indoors as the weather turns, and an unheated empty cottage is an attractive place to settle.

The pests we see most often in lets

Different kinds of property attract different pests. Older stone cottages and farm conversions with gaps around pipes and eaves are prone to mice and rats. Seaside flats and town properties see more ants, cockroaches and fleas, and any property can be affected by bed bugs, which arrive in luggage rather than because of poor cleaning.

Knowing which pest is involved matters because the response differs. A guest reporting bites needs a different approach from a tenant hearing noises in the loft, and identifying the cause correctly saves time and avoids treatments that do not work.

• Mice and rats in older, rural or edge of moor properties
• Bed bugs, which travel on luggage and second hand furniture
• Fleas, often after pets or from a previous occupier
• Wasps nesting in lofts, eaves and sheds in late summer
• Ants, flies and cockroaches in kitchens and bathrooms

What to do when a tenant or guest reports a problem

Take every report seriously and respond promptly, even if you suspect the pest is minor. A calm, quick reply tells the occupier that you care, and it often stops a small matter becoming a complaint. Ask for details, such as where they saw it, when, and whether they have photographs or a sample.

Do not tell occupiers to deal with it themselves using poisons or sprays, and do not ask them to go near a wasp nest. Arrange for a professional to assess the problem. In a holiday let, consider whether the room can be used safely in the meantime, and be open with the guest about what is happening.

What you can safely do between lets

Regular checks are the simplest protection a landlord has. Walk through the property between occupiers and look in the places pests favour: under sinks, behind appliances, in the loft, around the mattress seams and the edges of carpets. Check outside too, looking at gaps around pipes, air bricks and doors.

Keep bins and food storage tidy, and make sure cleaners and housekeepers know what to look for and who to tell. Leave simple written guidance for occupiers about reporting problems and storing food properly, so small concerns reach you early rather than being left alone.

• Seal gaps around pipes, vents and door frames
• Keep outside bins lidded and away from the walls
• Inspect mattresses, headboards and sofas for signs of bed bugs
• Clear out leftover food from previous occupiers
• Keep gutters, roofs and loft hatches in good repair

What not to do

Avoid the temptation to ignore a first report in the hope it was a one off. Pests like mice, fleas and bed bugs rarely stay confined to one spot, and delay generally means a larger and more difficult job. Equally, do not rely on shop bought treatments applied at random between lets.

Never place poison in a property used by guests or tenants. Children, pets and visitors who do not know it is there can be put at risk, and a poisoned rodent can die in a wall void and cause a smell for weeks. Leave rodent control to a professional.

When to call a professional

Call us whenever you see droppings, gnawing, live insects in sleeping areas, or a wasp nest, and whenever a guest or tenant reports bites. We will identify the pest, explain what we find in plain terms, and treat it safely so the property can be used again as soon as it is sensible to do so.

For properties that are let all year, regular visits can be worthwhile, particularly for older buildings or places with a history of rodents. We can also advise on proofing so you are not paying for the same call out repeatedly.

Prevention and good record keeping

Keep a simple record of inspections, reports and any treatment carried out. It helps you spot patterns, shows that you acted promptly if a dispute arises, and gives us useful background when we visit.

Good maintenance is the foundation. A weatherproof building, sealed gaps and tidy surroundings leave pests very little reason to move in, and between lets a quick walk round with a torch is often enough to catch a problem when it is still small.

Frequently asked questions

Need help?

If you would like a professional to look at the problem, call us on 01392 590 140 or send an enquiry.