Warning as Three Pest Invasions Are Most Common in January
Pest experts warn about common rodent invasions this January and how to prevent them
Pests, Rats, Mice, Squirrels, UK, January
London: If you’re not a fan of rodents, you might want to pay attention. Pest UK has flagged that three pesky critters are particularly active this January, often making themselves at home in gardens and attics.
Rats are one of the main culprits, drawn to warm compost heaps and cozy spots under porches. Once they settle in, female rats can have up to six litters a year, with each litter containing six to 13 little ones.
Both rats and mice are also on the lookout for food scraps around your place. In winter, they’re especially attracted to seeds and nuts you might leave out for birds trying to survive the cold.
In some cases, these little guys might even nest in wall cavities, following pipes to find food. Pest UK notes that January is usually a quiet month for pest control, with rodents like rats, mice, and squirrels being the main troublemakers.
While red squirrels are protected in the UK, grey squirrels are considered vermin. The British Pest Control Association says if you catch a grey squirrel, you have to humanely dispose of it.
Grey squirrels were brought over from North America during the Victorian era and have pushed out our native red squirrels, which are now quite rare. There are only about 287,000 red squirrels left in the UK, compared to a whopping 2.7 million greys.
Like their rodent cousins, grey squirrels can cause a lot of damage to homes, chewing through insulation, wood, and even electrical wires. This can lead to costly repairs and safety issues.
Experts from Safeguard Pest Control say that during the first couple of months of the year, you can expect to see more mice and rats as they seek warmth indoors. January also marks the end of spider season.
If you want to keep pests at bay this January, there are some simple steps you can take. For rats, Gareth Davies from Pest and Property Solutions suggests properly storing food and taking out the trash regularly.
He advises against leaving food out on counters, as rats can spread nasty bacteria. “Eighty percent of rats come from the sewers, and we all know what’s in there,” he said.
He also recommends sealing any visible holes with crushed glass and cement. Keeping your lawn tidy and sealing gaps around pipes can help keep your home safe from mice and rats.
For all three types of pests, it might be a good idea to rethink your bird feeders. Pest Defence suggests squirrel-proofing your feeders with a metal cage or greasing the pole to keep squirrels from climbing up.
Another option is to skip the seed and nut feeders altogether and plant bird-friendly plants like crab apple trees and hawthorn, which are easier for birds to access but less appealing to squirrels.