Pests
If you have problems with pests such as rats, mice or wasps, Environmental Health Officers can offer free advice and can visit your home to:
- identify the pest infesting your property and give you an indication of the extent of the problem
- tell you which treatment is best suited to the pest and the area in which it has been found
- advise you of cleaning practices and improvements to help avoid attracting pests to your property
- advise you about employing a pest control contractor if you cannot carry out the treatment yourself
Advice
Rats and mice
- Fill in holes in door or window frames, skirting boards, drainpipes and central heating pipes
- Cover ventilation bricks with wire mesh
- Regularly clear out the drain trap in your garden
- Always cover food and store in sealed containers
- Cut grass and hedges regularly
- Never leave rubbish lying around
- Don't leave food scraps out for birds, even on bird tables
Fleas
- Vacuum your house regularly
- Get pets regularly treated by a vet for signs of fleas
- Groom your pet outdoors to prevent fleas getting into your home
- Wash animal bedding regularly using a mild detergent
- Spray floor surfaces, particularly cracks and crevices, with an anti-flea spray
Flies
- Always store leftover food in sealed containers
- Clean your bin and drains regularly and never leave rubbish lying around
- Use a fly spray
Bedbugs
- Check old or second hand furniture for signs of infestation
- Wash and vacuum bedding regularly
- Check your luggage and clothing after arriving back from holiday for signs of bedbug activity
Cockroaches
- Always store leftover food in sealed containers
- Never leave rubbish or food waste lying around
- Mend cracks, holes, loose wallpaper and broken tiles
- Seal holes in door or window frames, skirting boards, drainpipes and water and central heating pipes
For more information contact the Public Health and Hygiene Team on 0300 013 3333.
The team is based at:
2 Church Street
Newtownards
Co. Down
BT23 4AP
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