Mice can cause damage such as chewing through cables. If you hear or see mice we provide mouse traps free of charge, but you must set and clear them. Avoid encouraging mice – always keep work tops clean, and wipe up food spills in and around cupboards.
Who pays? We provide mouse traps free of charge, but if mice are left in the house unreported and damage occurs you could be liable so report them immediately.
Rats are common in York (as in most cities) so you must never leave black bin bags, or uncovered food, lying around for any time. If you see rats, or evidence of rats, call us and we will send pest control.
Who pays? The landlord will normally pay for this but if there is evidence of rubbish having been left around the property you may have to pay or contribute towards the cost.
Fleas bite humans when there are no cats or dogs to bite. Please do not allow any cats into your house in case they leave fleas behind.
Who pays? Tenants will have to pay for the treatment unless they appear in the first 4 weeks of a tenancy.
Bed bugs hitch lifts so can be brought into the house at anytime from anywhere.
Who pays? Tenants will have to pay for the treatment unless they appear in the first 4 weeks of a tenancy.
Silverfish like damp humid places like bathrooms and feed on dead skin cells. To avoid them appearing, keep the bathroom well ventilated, don’t leave the floor wet, or damp towels lying around.
Who pays? Tenants, because silverfish only appear when the conditions attract them.
Ants love sugar and only appear if there are spills or food left about on the floor or worktops. Get rid of the first ants you see and clean all surrounding areas to remove the scent they leave for other ants. Always keep these areas clean including the entry point.
Who pays? Tenants, because ants only appear in numbers when conditions attract them.
Slugs are harmless but unpleasant. Their entry point must be blocked so if you can find where they are coming in – let us know, we may be able to seal it. Slug pellets are cheap, sold at supermarkets and work – put them under the washing machine or cupboards if using them in a kitchen.
Who pays? The landlord will pay to seal the entry point but you can buy slug pellets from the supermarket.
Bees and wasps: if these are active and in a place which could harm you, let us know and they will be removed. Nests which are not near an open window, in a bike shed or on a waste bin, and are not causing harm may be left, but call us to discuss this and we will assess the risk.
Who pays? The landlord will pay to remove nests which are active and causing harm.
