Pest control
- We’ll inspect and treat any communal areas where there are signs of pests, such as bin stores or shared hallways
- Once the pests have been dealt with, we’ll also seal any access points they may be using, including holes or damaged vents
- We work with our specialist contractor, Countrywide, who will arrange an initial visit to inspect the issue, agree a plan of action, and begin treatment or baiting where needed
- If you’re a shared owner or leaseholder, you’re responsible for pest control and blocking access points inside your home, unless your lease says otherwise
- We’ll investigate and treat any pest issues found in communal areas
- If the issue is inside your home or in your personal garden, it will be your responsibility to resolve it
- Some local authorities offer a means‑tested pest control service. You can find out more by contacting your local authority directly
- Where needed, we’ll also seal holes and mesh vents that pests may be using to access your home
In most cases, this will be your responsibility. However, there may be situations where we can step in. Your neighbourhood officer will assess this and make a decision on a case‑by‑case basis.
- If you have pests such as birds in your loft or chimney, please contact your local RSPCA for advice
- We’re not able to remove pests inside your home, as this is your responsibility. However, once the pest has been removed, we’ll attend to seal any entry points to help prevent the issue from happening again
- If you live in a flat, the loft space is classed as a communal area. In this case, please contact us so we can arrange for this to be investigated
As the seasons change, it’s normal to see more insects and wildlife around your home. This is part of nature and usually temporary, most activity will settle down after a few weeks.
Here’s what to expect each season:
Spring and Summer (March–July)
- Birds nesting in hedges and shrubs. If you see birds nesting in hedges (March–August), please avoid trimming or cutting. We can’t undertake hedge trimming, where we're responsible, between March and August due to the Wildlife and Country Act 1981, around nesting birds. We'll restart hedge/shrub trimming from September onwards
- Birds and bats: All wild birds (including pigeons) and bats are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981. It’s illegal to harm, remove, or disturb them, their nests, or eggs. You can find out more on the RSPB website
- Bees tend to be more active between March and October, peaking in the warmer month, we don't remove beehives, you can find out more in this British Pest Control Association leaflet
- Ants become more noticeable in and around the home, this is not something that we'll attend to
Late Summer and Autumn (August–October)
- Wasps are at peak activity as nests mature, avoid disturbing them, if the nests are in a communal area we'll look into this
- Ants and ladybirds are more noticeable in and around the home, this isn't something that we'll attend to
- Spiders and cluster flies increase indoors, this isn't something that we'll attend to
Winter (November–February):
- Silverfish are attracted to damp areas, once the damp has been managed, these should not appear. We don't manage the silverfish, however we can help with damp issues, please contact us to report any damp concerns you have
- Rodents may seek warmth indoors, which will be down to you to deal with. We'll investigate and treat any communal areas as well as block up holes or mesh vents that pests may be using to get into your home
There are a few simple steps you can take to help prevent pests in and around your home, including:
- Keeping your home and garden clean and tidy
- Disposing of rubbish properly and emptying bins regularly. Cleaning bins often can help prevent fly eggs turning into maggots
- Avoiding leaving food out, as this can attract pests
- Storing pet food in airtight containers
- Keeping your pets’ flea treatments up to date
- We’re not able to remove protected pests
- At certain times of year, you may notice an increase in seasonal pests such as spiders, ants, or ladybirds. This is usually temporary and should reduce after a few weeks. Managing these pests is your responsibility
- If you’re finding it difficult to look after your home, please contact us, our neighbourhoods team can offer support and advice
Check out our pest control guide for more information.
