Pests & Infestations
Pests and infestations in your home can be stressful and upsetting as well as a potential risk to your health and safety. It is important that you know how to spot problems and know what to do if your home is affected.
See below some advice, for further support or to report an infestation in your home please visit our Report a Repair page.
Contact Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 1059 or via their website to report any pest control issues.
Mice
Mice will move in to properties where they can get shelter, food and water. They use the same pathways and can be detected by the appearance of smear marks where their fur rubs against surfaces. They also leave fresh droppings or gnaw marks.
Treatment:
If you see a mouse in your property call Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 1059 to arrange access. You should also notify us of the issue via our Report a Repair form and we will notify other residents in the block. Once Glasgow City Council have eradicated mice from your home we can repair any damage caused by the mice and to fill any access points the mice may have used.
You will be responsible for the costs of treatment in your property, however we will meet the cost of filling in any gaps where mice can gain access.
Rats
Rats are a hazard to public health as they can transmit a number of potentially fatal diseases as well as bacteria, viruses and parasites. They will scavenge discarded food as well as scavenging in drains and sewers. They burrow into soil, compost heaps and under sheds etc. They can squeeze into small openings and have very sharp teeth.
They are generally difficult to spot due to their nocturnal nature and seeing a rat during the day can indicate a significant infestation. Signs of an infestation might include droppings, gnaw marks, runs and smear marks.
Prevention:
You and your neighbours are responsible for keeping the back court clean and tidy and disposing of household rubbish correctly.
Do not feed birds unless using a hanging bird feeder.
Treatment:
Please contact Glasgow City Council on 0141 287 9700 to report rats in or around your home.
You should also notify us of the issue via our Report a Repair form and we will notify other residents in the block. Once Glasgow City Council have eradicated rats from your home we can repair any damage caused by the rats and to fill any access points they may have used.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are an insect with large antennae and 2 pairs of wings. They like warm humid conditions where they have a source of food and shelter. They are nocturnal and spend the day behind sinks and at the back of cupboards.
Cockroaches are attracted to dirty kitchens so good hygiene is essential.
Treatment:
If you have an infestation of cockroaches please report it to us via our Report a Repair form.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs are difficult to identify, they remain hidden during the daytime. Often the first sign of bed bugs are bites that appear on your body after you wake up. You may notice small dark spots on your mattress or bedding. If the infestation is severe you may spot live bed bugs and shed skins.
It is very easy to bring bed bugs into your home without realising it, they will hide in luggage, personal belongings, second hand furniture or even on you. An outbreak of bedbugs does not reflect on your standards of cleanliness in any way
Prevention:
The best prevention is to wash and dry clothes on the highest possible temperatures. Eliminate places for them to hide during the day by eliminating clutter from your home. Tidy all areas of your bed room, paying particular attention to the floor underneath and around your bed.
Treatment:
If you have an infestation of bed bugs please report it to us via our Report a Repair form.
Insects
Ants or other crawling insects can be a nuisance in your home. You can buy treatments for insect infestations in shops or online. Carefully follow the instructions provided with the treatment and be especially careful if there are children and dogs in your home.
Wasps
If you are experiencing serious problems with wasps please report it to us via our Report a Repair form. We may use Glasgow City Council’s service (that runs from June to September) or other specialist contractors. Do not try to move or disturb the nest yourself as you may provoke a swarm.
Tips for a Pest Free Home
Prevention is better than cure! Here are some simple steps you can take to minimise the chance of an infestation in your home.
- Ensure food containers are tightly sealed.
- Clear counters, tables and floors of any crumbs and spillages as soon as possible.
- Don’t leave any food out on counters for pests to find.
- Report to us any cracks and crevices that insects can easily get through and will arrange for these to be sealed.
- Drain baths and basins after use; some pests thrive in water.
- Ensure all rubbish and recycling is securely tied and correctly disposed of.
- Avoid feeding birds in the areas around your home.
- If you are a cat/ dog owner, regularly treat your pet with a suitable flea treatment. You can ask your vet for more information about this.
- Clear food from behind/ underneath cookers and fridges regularly to reduce the chance of insect infestation.
- Avoid collecting scrap, such as wood and cardboard, as pests can use this for shelter.
