Top tips on how to prevent pests in your home

Prevention is better than cure, so make sure your room and communal spaces are clean and tidy, to avoid pests setting up home!

• Clean regularly: Vacuum carpets and upholstery, wipe down surfaces, and take out the rubbish daily.
• Declutter: Remove clutter to deprive pests of places to hide.
  
• Eliminate food sources: Store food properly in sealed containers, and clean up crumbs.
  
• Inspect items: Check stuffed animals and toys for signs of insects or eggs.
• Wash bedding and clothes regularly and keep any soft furnishings clean and sanitised.

The following pests are commonly found in the UK and are not harmful, but you may wish to consider the following information and recommendations for prevention:

Spiders – natural residents of buildings and are harmless in the UK

Flies, moths, other flying things – do not open windows at night with the lights on. Rooms do not come with window screens and students are not able to install these as they can damage fixtures/fittings and are against fire regulations

Ladybirds – may seek warmth/gather on windows and are harmless

Ants – maintain good food hygiene. If you suspect an infestation, report this on Planon

Wasps/bees – if there are a high volume of them, report this on Planon in case there is a nest nearby

Mice/rats – Report these on Planon as soon as you see them, especially if within a building

Silverfish – common in damp environments such as bathrooms. You may wish to ensure areas well ventilated, and floors kept dry. If seen in kitchens, please ensure food kept covered and in airtight containers

Fruit flies – keep bin lids closed and regularly dispose of rubbish. You may wish to check any potted plants in case they are breeding.

Bed Bugs – Report these immediately on Planon. Clean all bedding, clothing and soft furnishings, and hoover the room.

Take a look at the The British Pest Control Association for some handy advice on pests in the UK

If you are experiencing issues with any of the above, please do not arrange a contractor yourselves as the University has an approved contractors who can assess, treat, and follow up on pest control measures.