2 minute read
Pest problems in new builds are more common than old properties
With many new properties being built on greenfi eld sites and agricultural land, wildlife habitats are disappearing forcing species such as rats and mice to relocate and adapt
Paul Bates, Managing Director of Cleankill Pest Control, explains: “These rats and mice have lived happily in the countryside and now we are building on their homes. Unfortunately destroying habitats means pests are invading homes and gardens and becoming more visible than before.”
Property owners might automatically assume that older buildings would suffer more pest infestations than new builds, but that is not the case according to the latest data from Cleankill Pest Control.
The Surrey-based company has seen a surge in calls to rodent problems in new homes and building sites as developers rush to complete new housing estates across the South East.
Paul Bates, explains: “There is such pressure on builders that sometimes holes around pipes are left unsealed and they leave gaps in stud walls making it easy for rodents to get in.
“Also, many homes are being built with breezeblocks which have perfect sized channels running through them and a rough surface which makes it easy for rodents to grip. The breezeblocks act as mice motorways and enable the furry creatures to travel around the internal structure of your house unnoticed.”
“On some of the large new estates people start moving in before work has fi nished and the unfi nished sewers are an open invitation to rats. The last thing people expect when they move into a new property is a rodent infestation – it’s very distressing for them,” Paul added.
Cleankill Pest Control deals with ‘distress’ pests such as wasps, fl eas and bedbugs as well as preventative maintenance against public health pests such as mice, rats, cockroaches and pest birds such as pigeons and seagulls. The company prides itself on a fast and effi cient service and aims to be recognised as a market leader for innovation, ‘green’ and new pest control techniques. Launched in 1995, Cleankill Pest Control has grown year on year and now has several thousand clients throughout London, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, the South East and across the UK. Cleankill is the only pest control company in England to achieve a Gold Investors in People accreditation.
