During the colder autumn winter months, London’s buses have been making headlines for an unexpected reason: cockroach infestations. However, when the weather grows colder and wetter, these cold-blooded critters seek warmth not only in buses but also in our homes, as they hunt for warmth in other areas. Much more than just a ‘nuisance’, these unwelcome guests can carry harmful bacteria like Salmonella, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. Moving from sewers and drains, they can contaminate everything they touch in your home and kitchen, including food, utensils, and prep surfaces. And as news shows, they can be just as troublesome here in the UK as they are in hot and humid countries. But it’s not only cockroaches that can we can encounter- other unwelcome pests too. Fleas for example. As much as we love our pets, they can bring less lovable creatures into our homes during the winter months. Fleas can enter your home from outside on your cat or dog. The warmth in our homes, as we use our central heating, provide the perfect environment for them to multiply. Therefore you want to treat your pets with a good quality flea treatment, as well as washing all their bedding to get rid of eggs and larvae.
So how do we banish pests from our homes? We spoke with the experts at Muttons country store, a company specialising in country and agricultural supplies, such as electric fencing and pest control, to learn about the most effective defense against pests and their access to our homes.
Seal Your Snacks: Keep your kitchen a safe haven. Always seal or clean away all food, including open packets, crumbs, and pet food. Dirty dishes in the sink are an open invitation for pests. Take a few moments each day to tidy up—your future self (and your home) will thank you.
Clear the Clutter: Did you know that clutter can be insects’ best friend? Piles of boxes, old furniture, and unkept corners create inviting hiding spots for pests. Female roaches for example love to lay their egg cases in undisturbed spots. By clearing out clutter and organizing those dark corners—like cupboards and under sinks—you can significantly reduce their nesting places.
Repair & Seal Surfaces: Seal up any potential entry points or cracks in the wall using plaster, mastic, or other suitable fillers. These hidden, undisturbed places offer great nesting ground, making it easy for the pests to breed and thrive unnoticed.
Spray a Deterrent: Spray food sources or entry points with white vinegar to temporarily deter them. This is a good temporary measure as you work to treat the problem permanently, but it won’t solve a serious infestation.
Call in the professionals: If you have a confirmed infestation, you must instruct a pest control expert. Pests are notoriously hard to ‘rid’, so experts will need to use a chemical insecticide, as natural solutions won’t cut it. As well as treating the visible infestation site, they will concentrate the product on cracks and crevices where eggs and young may be found.Â
Are pests a health risk?
Some but not all pests are a health risk. Those which should be treated with caution are:
- Cockroaches can cause serious illness by transmitting bacteria on surfaces.
- Rats and mice, which can also spread serious diseases such as leptospirosis, hantavirus and salmonellosis.
- Wasps, which can potentially cause anaphylaxis in people who are allergic to their sting.
Cluster flies and spiders have no real potential for harmful effects, while bed bug and flea bites may lead to secondary infections due to scratching. Bed bugs can also cause anxiety and a lack of sleep, both of which can affect a person’s health.
To help prevent issues before they start, contact professionals for the right solution.
Indiana Lee lives in the North West and has a passion for the environment and wellness. Indiana loves experiencing new things and sharing with others what she learns through her writing. You can chat with Indiana on twitter @IndianaLee3
