we understand the annoyances that summer pests can bring, and we’re here to help you keep your home pest-free.

Common pests include ants, mice, rats, wasps, gnats, flies and fleas to name a few. While DIY prevention can be effective, sometimes where there is a more serious issue such as an infestation, then you need to call for help from professionals. 

Here are some tips to help keep pests out of your home - 

Ants

Ants love crumbs, so keeping food sealed in airtight containers and cleaning your surfaces regularly will prevent them from entering your home. 

Wasps

Wasps are attracted to sweet food & drinks, so make sure to keep them covered, especially if you are sitting outside in the sun. Also ensure your rubbish bins are tightly sealed and not left too long before being emptied, as they tend to hover around those areas when left open to the air. 

Gnats

Gnats tend to make an appearance when the temperatures rise, and cause those itchy bites when outside. Make sure not to leave any standing water out such as containers, gutters and bird baths, as they breed in stagnant waters. To keep yourself safe from bites, use an insect repellant when you are outside. 

Flies

Flies are everywhere during the summer months. You can use fly traps in problem areas, and removing any food waste that might be left out will prevent them from entering your home. 

Fleas

Fleas can be a common problem for pet owners. If you do have pets in your home, regularly treat them with flea prevention products you can find at your local vets. Washing pet bedding and regularly hoovering your carpets will remove fleas and their eggs. 

If there is a defect in your property, such as holes in walls, broken drains or structural issues, or an infestation in a communal area (stairwells or shared bin areas), then report it to Rentplus Homes via the Connells Maintenance Portal under a repair. If you find pests in your garden, such as wasps nests or rats, then we recommend you arrange for a pest control contractor.