Pests in your home can be a nightmare.
At its worst, they can even render a home unlivable and derelict.
They come in many forms, including plants, insects, animals, and fungus.
Read on to learn about 10 UK house pests to watch out for…
1. Japanese knotweed
Japanese knotweed is an invasive plant species.
It can force its way through concrete, asphalt and other strong material. This leads to it damaging foundations, boundaries, and ecosystems.
It’s often mistaken for other plants.
Homeowners can be fined if it spreads beyond their boundaries. And sellers can be sued for not disclosing its presence.
2. Squirrels
Whilst they appear cute, squirrels can damage your property especially to your:
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Sidings
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Drainpipes
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Soffits.
They can even get inside your property, especially between walls. Here they might damage wiring, woodwork, and more.
Grey squirrels are an invasive species in the UK. By contrast, the less common red squirrel is endangered and protected.
3. The deathwatch beetle
Properties affected by fungal decay are more susceptible to deathwatch beetle infestations.
Their presence will appear in the form of weakened and damaged timbers.
They like to infiltrate damp wood inside your home and damage fixtures and fittings.
4. Dry rot
Dry rot spores are not harmful to your health.
But they are a sign that there is excessive moisture in your property, which could make you ill.
Dry rot itself is a fungus that digests damp wood, leaving it dark in colour and heavily cracked.
This can affect the structural integrity of your home as the wood becomes weak.
5. Wet rot
Unlike dry rot, wet rot is a general term. It’s used to describe an array of ways in which fungi caused by water can destroy the home.
Wet rot occurs on timbers that contain over 50% moisture. Dry rot needs only 20% moisture to germinate.
Wet rot is much easier to notice due to typical water damage stains. And it can cause considerable damage to walls, ceilings, and floors.
6. Woodworm
Woodworms leave strange holes in wooden surfaces and small piles of fine sawdust.
Often, people are unaware of woodworms until it’s too late.
Left untreated, it can weaken timber in your property and cause structural failure.
7. Rising damp
Rising dampness is often noticed by the internal water damage it causes to a home’s walls.
It’s caused by moisture travelling from the ground and up through the capillaries of the wall.
Damp is rare as most homes have protection. But you should seek expert help if you notice:
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Tide marks
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Damaged paint or wallpaper
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Orange water staining around your skirting board.
8. Silverfish
Silverfish are insects that thrive high-humidity locations.
They tend to live in the dark corners of bathrooms, kitchens, basements, and attics.
Nothing is safe in your home if silverfish have intruded. They will feed on anything containing starch or cellulose, which includes:
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Plaster
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Paintings
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Photographs
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Books.
9. Mice and rats
Many people are afraid of mice and rats.
They leave droppings and contaminate food. They can also cause extensive damage to properties.
They chew almost anything to make their nests, including insulation and electrical wires.
10. Moths
Most moths in the UK are harmless. But a few species lay their eggs in our stored belongings.
If undetected for long periods of time they might damage:
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Clothes
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Carpets
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Soft furnishings (including curtains)
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Sofas.
How can I stop pests from destroying my home?
You must contact a pest specialist with most of the flora and fauna above.
Most pest control companies also offer property care services. This means you can have your property free of the culprit and any damage fixed.
Whether plant, insect or mammal, do not try to fix the issue yourself. You could put the structural integrity of your home at further risk.
