With an expected rise in mice and rats entering houses over the Christmas period, Rentokil has issued advice on how to avoid visits from unwanted pests.
Rentokil has already seen an increase in callouts for rodents in the lead up to winter (August-October) this year, with callouts up 50% when compared to the same period last year.
Richard Faulkner, advanced technical field consultant at Rentokil, said: “Christmas time brings with it a number of unique pest control challenges. Plummeting temperatures outside, and an abundance of food and warmth indoors, create attractive conditions for rodents and insects as they search for shelter and sustenance.
“Rentokil is advising the public to be particularly cautious and diligent to help guard against unwanted pest guests this festive season.”
Rentokil’s top tips for the festive season include:
Open boxes of decorations outside and inspect them for any signs of insects or rodents, before bringing them indoors. When finished with them, store them in a sealed storage box, ready for next year;
Inspect your tree carefully before you bring it indoors, as both real and artificial Christmas trees can be perfect nesting place for insects. Shake your tree vigorously outdoors so that any insects or their eggs are shaken loose; and
Clean up all Christmas dinner leftovers, food debris, and spillages to prevent a potential food source for rodents and insects.