The essential guide to pest damage prevention at home

Do you need to deal with pest infestations in and around your home? From mice scurrying through cupboards, to termites eating away at wooden furniture, pests can be a major hassle. Not only are they irritating, but pest-inflicted damage also tends to come with financial costs. Recent data shows that instances of domestic pests are increasing, with the UK pest control industry growing by 5% in 2023 and said to be worth $953.9m, the equivalent of approximately £776m.

Fortunately, there are ways for you to protect against costly repairs. We’ve compiled the best tips for preventing and managing pest problems around your home in this guide.

Pest damage prevention

Pests can be a bit of a nuisance at best, and dangerous at worst. They’re capable of spreading disease and causing damage which can result in fires and flooding, so it’s recommended to prevent pests from coming into your home. Here are some of the best ways to do that.

Don’t leave rubbish out

Rubbish attracts most pests, as it’s a source of food and can even be a nesting place for some. Bins stored inside are more likely to attract insects, while outside bins may attract birds and foxes. Rodents like mice and rats can get in either.

Don’t leave food out

Food is a big attraction for pests of all kinds, from flies to rodents. Store it in sealed containers and make sure all your cupboard doors close securely. If you need to cool something before storing it, use a mesh cover so air can circulate but nothing can get to it, then put it in the fridge or freezer as soon as it’s cool enough to do so. And don’t forget about spillages, crumbs, and dirty plates. Clean up as soon as you can.

Check your pets for fleas

Fleas can jump as far as 13 inches, which is about 200 times the length of their bodies, so it’s easy for them to spread. Cats and dogs can catch fleas through other animals, in the garden, from your home, or even from clothes or shoes.

Fleas can cause plenty of itching and discomfort. More worryingly they can also cause allergic reactions, anaemia and blood loss, tapeworms, and disease. Look out for:

• Bald patches
• Excessive scratching
• Fur loss
• Redness
• Tiny dark dots in fur 

If you own pets, it’s best to keep up with regular flea treatment so they don’t catch the pests from other animals.

To check for and get rid of fleas, you can use a flea comb dipped in a mix of water and dish soap to trap and remove them from your pet’s fur. Keep a bowl of water next to you so that if you do spot any, you can drown them. Combing is also a good way to get rid of the little specks of blood known as ‘flea dirt’. Be sure to take your pet to the vet as well, as they’ll be able to check for any serious symptoms and prescribe necessary medication or treatment.

It’s important to check yourself for fleas if your pet is showing signs of them — look for lines of small, itchy red bumps which don’t change in size. While the risk of contracting a disease from these bites is very small, the bites can become infected if bacteria gets into them (this is more likely to happen if you scratch them). You’ll be able to spot an infection because the bite will get redder, feel warm to the touch, and may emit pus.

Keep your home dry

Pests tend to love moisture, as it can be a source of food or a place to breed. Be sure to clear up any spills, empty water from sinks once you’ve finished using it, and keep surfaces nice and dry. Regularly check under sinks and pipes for leaks or drips so they can be fixed, and consider getting a humidifier to prevent condensation from building up.

Seal entry points

Tiny pests can fit through the smallest of gaps, which is why it’s so important to keep all your entryways sealed securely. Look out for:

• Cracks in floors
• Cracks in the wall
• Gaps in doorways
• Windows that won’t shut properly

Get any gaps fixed as soon as possible so potential entryways are blocked.

Don’t forget about your garden

So far we’ve focused on the home, but there are plenty of things you can do to minimise the chances of pests coming into your garden.

• Choose plants that will thrive in the region where you live. Healthy plants are less likely to attract pests or succumb to diseases.
• Don’t bring plants into your garden if pests that affect it are common where you live.
• Dispose of mouldy leaves as soon as you spot them (this applies to house plants too).
• Set time aside to regularly get rid of any weeds that appear.
• Clean your garden tools and apparel after use to prevent pests being carried from one site to another.
• Don’t forget to include your garden when you check for signs of pests.

Check for signs of pests regularly

Some pests are too small to be noticed easily; others may be bigger but avoid any contact with humans. So you might not spot one — but you can learn the signs and look out for them.