Advice
A Seasonal Pest Guide for Devon Homes
Pests follow the seasons, and knowing what to expect in each part of the year helps Devon householders spot problems early and act at the right time.
Read the guide →Small village properties often need a gentle, thorough approach. We explain what we find, agree the plan and price beforehand and work carefully so your home or let is left tidy. We take our time and keep things clear. Please ask us anything.
Old cottages and small gaps
Older cottages have charm, but they also come with thick walls, uneven floors, old airbricks and roof spaces that are hard to see. Mice need only a tiny opening to get in, and insects such as ants and moths find quiet corners to settle. We know what to look for in properties like these across Shaldon and the TQ14 postcode. Stone and cob walls are worth a close look.
Being close to the estuary and open ground also means wildlife is never far away. Rats can be drawn to gardens by food waste, compost and spilled feed, and wasps like sheltered eaves. We look at the whole property, inside and out, before suggesting what to do. In a small village, a problem at one cottage can easily spread to the next, so we talk through how to stop that happening where we can.
Holiday lets in the village
Many Shaldon properties are holiday lets, and some stand empty for stretches. A quiet cottage is ideal for mice, wasps or flies to move in unnoticed, so a check before the season starts is a sensible habit. Guests bring luggage, which can carry bed bugs or fleas. It is far cheaper in effort to deal with a problem before guests arrive, and it protects your reputation for clean, comfortable stays.
If something is reported, we inspect, confirm the pest and explain the options. We agree the price before any work begins, and suggest timings that suit your changeover days. You will know what has been done and whether another visit is needed. Anything you need to prepare beforehand, or leave alone afterwards, is explained clearly, and we keep our visits short and tidy so a changeover day is not thrown off course.
Simple habits that help
Keeping food in sealed containers, closing bins, clearing clutter from outbuildings and filling small gaps all help keep pests out of a Shaldon home. We will point out where your property is most exposed. We also cover Teignmouth and Newton Abbot, so a call from either direction is no problem. None of this is difficult. Small habits add up over a season.
Frequently asked questions
Can mice get into an old Shaldon cottage easily?
Yes, old cottages often have small gaps around pipes, floors and airbricks, and mice can use very small openings. We trace the entry points, treat the mice and advise on sealing so they are less likely to return. It is a common village problem.
Do you check Shaldon holiday lets before the season?
Yes. We can inspect the roof space, kitchen and outside areas and tell you whether anything needs treating. Finding a problem early is far easier than dealing with it while guests are staying. It is a sensible habit each spring. We can also advise on what to watch for if a cottage stays empty for a while.
What should I do about rats near my Shaldon garden?
Remove food sources first: cover compost, store feed and pet food properly and keep bins shut. Then call us. We will find their runs and burrows, treat the problem safely and keep pets and children in mind. Patience and good housekeeping help.