Pest-Free 2007

Winter would seem to be the time when residents in the UK have fewer pest problems, but between an invasion of bed bugs or mice, the problems remain active even when most insects species enter a dormant period.

Rodents are by far the biggest problem that homeowners and others encounter during the winter months. Mice look for warmth and access to food and water, and homes offer both. Most homeowners quickly discover that the do-it-yourself approach doesn't work.

The reason is that pest management professionals not only have the tools available for control, but also the training and experience to tell them where to find and eliminate the problem.

There are things, however, that home and other property owners can and should do to avoid winter problems and those waiting to occur when the temperatures become warmer. SDA Pest Control have compiled a list of recommendations helping you to ensure that the risk of a pest infestation in your home is greatly reduced:

Seal any creaks and holes on the outside of your home with special attention to those areas where utilities and pipes enter the home.
Screen vents and openings to chimneys.
Keep tree branches and shrubbery well trimmed and away from the house.
Inspect boxes, grocery bags, and other packaging thoroughly to curb hitchhiking insects; cockroaches particularly favor supermarket bags.
Keep cellars, and loft and crawl spaces well ventilated and dry.
Store rubbish in sealed containers and dispose of it regularly.
Store fire wood at least 20 feet away from the house and five inches off the ground.
Repair fascia and sofits, and rotted roof shingles because some insects are attracted by deteriorating wood.
Replace weather-stripping and repair loose mortar around basement foundations and windows.

A good investment in home maintenance is a thorough inspection and most pest management firms offer this service. It's old ounce-of-prevention advice, but well worth it because wood-destroying insects can do hundreds, if not thousands, of pounds of damage.

For those planning or returning from holiday, the potential for bringing home bed bugs in your luggage has never been higher. This problem exploded in late 2005 and continues to plague holiday makers as well as business travellers who stay in hotels or resorts where an infestation exists.

The insects and rodents have been around for millions of years, and they are major vectors of disease and cause a vast amount of property damage. They may not be as active in winter months, but they will emerge in the spring. It is prudent to be prepared.

SDA Pest Control, "Long Acre", Bluntisham Road, Needingworth, St. Ives, Cambridgeshire
01480 465684