Most pest problems start with something small: a gap, a crumb, a damp corner. Work through this checklist and you remove most of what pests are looking for.
Every pest wants three things: food, water and shelter. Prevention is about taking those away or blocking the routes to them. You do not need specialist kit, only a free hour and a torch, and a willingness to look at your house from the outside as well as the inside.
Ilkeston is just over the border in Derbyshire, with Victorian terraces and later estates, and many of those homes have a shared alley, a yard or a back extension. Start there. Pests often use the shortest route into the building, so walk the perimeter and note any weak points.
In the kitchen, wipe up crumbs, keep dry food in sealed containers and do not leave dirty dishes overnight. Pull out the cooker or fridge now and then and check behind it. In the bathroom and utility area, fix dripping taps and check under the sink for damp, because moisture draws in silverfish, cockroaches and ants.
In bedrooms and storage areas, wash bedding regularly, avoid piling clothes on the floor and store wool items in sealed containers. Look at the loft once or twice a year for droppings, nesting material or signs of chewing.
Do not forget the garden. Overgrown borders next to the house, wood stacks against walls and piles of old pallets give rodents cover and nesting places. Moving them a short distance from the building makes it harder for pests to get from shelter to doorway.
If you are letting a property, add a pest check to the routine between tenancies. Looking behind appliances and in lofts costs minutes and often finds early signs that would otherwise grow.
Bed bugs and some fabric pests travel on luggage and furniture. Unpack suitcases away from the bedroom, wash clothes on return, and check second-hand beds, sofas and rugs before bringing them inside. This is not about suspicion, simply about avoiding easy mistakes.
If signs appear despite your efforts, such as droppings, gnaw marks, bites or a trail of insects, do not wait. Early action is usually quicker and less disruptive than treating a settled infestation.
We offer a free pest prevention survey and free advice with all treatments, and can visit at a time that suits you. Call 0115 937 5117 to talk through any concerns.
Blocking entry points. Sealing gaps around pipes, doors and air bricks stops rodents and many insects getting in, and it works year round. Good food storage and bin habits then reduce what attracts them.
A quick look each season is enough for most homes, with a more thorough check in autumn before rodents move indoors. Check sooner if you notice droppings, noises, bites or small insects.
Tell us what you have seen and where, and we will come back to you. Prices are fixed and there is no call-out charge.
