Keep rodents out: protecting your property this winter
By Clive Bury, Cleankill Pest Control
As temperatures fall, rats and mice seek reliable food supplies and somewhere sheltered to live. For business owners and property managers, autumn is the time to check that their buildings are not offering an invitation.
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Offices, warehouses, restaurants and residential properties can all provide ideal conditions for rodents. Taking preventative action now could spare businesses expensive repairs, disruption and reputational damage during the winter months.
Clive Bury, Senior Manager at Cleankill Pest Control, explains:“ A small maintenance problem can quickly become a pest problem. Gaps around pipes, poorly fitting doors and overflowing bins can give rodents everything they need. Identifying and dealing with these weaknesses early is far easier than tackling an established infestation.”
Rodents contaminate food and surfaces, damage stock and gnaw wiring and building materials. In hospitality, retail and food production, even a single sighting can undermine customer confidence.
Check your building A trained pest control surveyor will start with a thorough inspection of the property’ s exterior. They will look for gaps beneath doors, damaged air bricks and openings around pipes and cables. Particular attention will be given to loading bays, basements and areas where building work may have left holes.
Appropriate repairs should be carried out using materials designed to resist gnawing. A professional survey can identify hidden vulnerabilities and establish whether rodents are already present before proofing work begins.
Keep vegetation cut back from walls and remove clutter that provides shelter. Drainage defects and damaged inspection covers should also be investigated during the survey.
Remove food and shelter Keep bin lids closed, avoid leaving rubbish bags beside containers and clean up food spills promptly. If bins regularly overflow, review collection arrangements.
Inside, store food securely, clean beneath appliances and avoid leaving leftovers in staff kitchens overnight. Employees should know how to report droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises or damaged packaging.
Prepare for Awaab’ s Law Social housing providers in England should also review their arrangements ahead of the next phase of Awaab’ s Law, which comes into force on 30 November 2026.
The extension brings further significant hazards within fixed response requirements, including domestic hygiene hazards associated with pest infestations. Potential significant hazards must be investigated within ten working days, with relevant safety work completed within five working days of the investigation concluding. Emergency hazards already require investigation and action to make the property safe within 24 hours.
Check bird netting before storms Autumn maintenance should also include a professional inspection of existing bird netting before stormy winter weather arrives.
Check mesh, tension, perimeter cables and fixings for damage or deterioration. Loose or torn netting can allow birds behind the barrier, creating an entrapment risk and compromising protection.
Arrange repairs promptly and further checks after severe weather. Effective bird proofing requires regular
CONTACT CLEANKILL FOR maintenance to protect both buildings and wildlife.
Combining sound maintenance, good housekeeping and professional pest management will help protect your property, its occupants and your business reputation throughout winter.
To book a free survey or cost comparison go to www. cleankill. co. uk or call 020 8668 5477
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