If the idea of an insect infestation
at your Torquay rental property makes your skin crawl, read on
to find out how to beat the bugs this summer.
No landlord wants uninvited visitors in their buy-to-let –
especially the six-legged variety that spread disease, bite, sting and cause
property damage.
With insects breeding prolifically in warm weather, here’s a
list of the little critters to be on the lookout for in your rental property.
Flies: Common house flies reproduce in large numbers, so even if
you only have a few buzzing around the place, this can change quickly. Flies
contaminate surfaces with bacteria from their gut and feet and cause food
poisoning and other illnesses.
Cockroaches: You may not see these nocturnal
creatures during the day, but you might spot their droppings. Cockroaches often
move from sewers and drains to properties (yuk!). They can spread nasty
bacteria such as salmonella, staphylococcus and streptococcus.
Wasps: These flying pests make their
nests using wood pulp – sourced by munching through plasterboard walls and
ceilings – and saliva. They often nest under eaves, so a tenant might hear them
before seeing them. In summer, an average wasps’ nest can house 5,000 adult
wasps – who can sting when threatened. Best call a pro to get rid of these
blighters.
Bed bugs: These reddish-brown, seed-sized critters are like tiny
vampires – they feast on blood. Their bites can cause anything from minor
irritation to a severe anaphylactic reaction. Common signs of bed bugs include
blood spots or brown stains on bed linen or mattresses.
Who is responsible for infestations?
As with many issues relating to rental properties, the answer
isn’t always straightforward.
If the infestation is linked to low standards of cleanliness or
leaving food and bins uncovered, the tenant is responsible.
However, if the insects have made their way in through holes in
walls, gaps around windows or uncapped pipes, then the landlord is responsible.
In some cases, both parties may have a role to play in
addressing the situation. Always look for practical solutions and act swiftly
because the pests will only keep reproducing.
How to avoid bug infestations
1)
Have a good rapport with your tenant so that they’ll inform you
if a pest problem arises.
2)
Encourage tenants to store all food in the fridge or cupboards and
wipe up crumbs. Regular vacuuming will help get rid of eggs and larvae.
3)
Ensure all garbage bins have well-fitting lids and encourage
your tenant to seal rubbish bags before disposing of them.
4)
Block any holes or gaps in woodwork and around windows and
doors. Check that drains and pipework don’t provide an entry route for insects.
5)
Check second-hand furniture carefully before moving it into your
property – it could be hosting bed bugs. You can also buy special mattress
protectors that prevent bed bugs from proliferating.
6)
During routine inspections, look for insect droppings, eggs or
discarded shells.
Visit the British Pest Control Association’s website for tips on identifying
and eradicating insects.
And for more advice on managing a property, get in touch with us
here at Ridgewater Sales and Lettings.