Are pests being a nuisance?
Last year, our repairs team issued over 600 work orders to deal with pests. Here are the most common pests and what we can and can’t help you with. Lots of things can be done to keep creepy crawlies out of your home. First, we usually ask you to try and treat them yourself with products that you can buy in most shops, but if the problem persists or is serious, you can get in touch with our repairs team for advice on08000 324 888or at repair@hillcrest.org.uk.
Ants
If the ants are in your garden, then we can’t deal with them for you. If they’ve found their way into your home, use ant powder regularly for a couple of weeks around the perimeter of your home, especially around external doors. Powder can also be used inside around skirtings and kitchen kickboards. You can also try a mix of white vinegar with water in a 1:1 ratio. Spray your floor, worktops and skirting boards, especially where ants are seen. Again, this should be used for a couple of weeks, but contact us if the ants don’t go away.
Prevention: clear spillages of food and drinks and use ant powder or spray to keep them at bay.
Bedbugs
Contact us if you think you have bedbugs within the property.
Prevention: vacuum around the bed and surrounding areas regularly, wash bedding regularly, and check and disinfect any second hand furniture before bringing it into your property.
Bees
If there is a swarm of honey bees, don’t panic or kill them. Either wait for the bees to move on or contact a local beekeeper who can advise you further. Our pest control contractors will not remove bees.
Fleas
Contact us if you think there are fleas within your property.
Prevention: treat pets for fleas, wash pet bedding regularly, and vacuum your home frequently.
Flies
Fly-killer aerosols will kill flies quickly and sticky fly papers are also available. If the issue persists, please contact us.
Prevention: remove rubbish from your home as soon as possible, and don’t leave out any food, fruit or vegetables that are past their best. Clear away food and spills. Bins should be located away from doors and windows and have tight-fitting lids. In warmer weather, spray or dust inside the bin and beneath the lid with a household insecticide.
Mice
Contact us if mice are seen inside your home.
Prevention: food should be kept in sealed containers and cleared away if spilled.
Rats
Contact us if rats are seen either inside or outside your property.
Prevention: if you have spotted rats, don’t put any bird food out, and try to keep bin areas tidy and rubbish kept away from your home.
Slugs/ snails
Unfortunately, there is not much we can do for slugs or snails. We’d advise moving plant pots and any vegetation away from your doors and windows, and if you have a pet, don’t leave food outside overnight.
Prevention: Spray household salt mixed in a water solution around the area where you are experiencing the problem.
Spiders
It may not be reassuring for those of you who fear the eight-legged beasties, but spiders are actually classed as casual intruders rather than pests. They are not harmful and do not spread disease.
Prevention: It can be difficult to prevent spiders completely, but keeping your rooms clean uncluttered, and wiping away any webs with help reduce them.
Wasps If you have a wasp nest in your garden or common area, get in touch with us and keep away from it. While wasps will not usually sting unless threatened, they can be more aggressive than bees and could become agitated if you get too close to their hive.