Get rid of rats, fleas, cockroaches and other vermin
Thousands of homes are infested with vermin, according to Shelter.
One in nine rented homes suffered from animal infestations last year, according to Shelter.
That's the equivalent of almost half a million homes across the country which have had struggles with the likes of cockroaches, mice or rates over the past 12 months, a terrifying figure.
The problems renters face stretches beyond unwelcome animal guests too. Almost half (49%) of renters have had problems with poor conditions or disrepair in the last year. Of those, over a third lived in property with damp or mould (34%), more than a fifth had poor insulation and excess cold (22%) and 11% had problems with electrical hazards.
Shelter helpline adviser Nadeem Khan said: “Some of the horrors we hear are truly shocking – from people who are forced to live in flats crawling with fleas or rats, or with water pouring out of the toilet waste pipe, to those who’ve been through the ordeal of a fire in their home caused by faulty wiring.”
Recent government statistics show that one in six privately rented homes in England contains a health and safety hazard.
Whose responsibility is it?
Not everything is the landlord’s responsibility. While problems with your roof, walls, windows, central heating and drains are up to the landlord to fix, minor repairs such as lightbulb changing are your responsibility, as is keeping your home properly heated and ventilated.
Vermin should be dealt with if it was already a problem when you moved in, but if you neglected to clear away food or rubbish, getting it sorted is down to you.
If you’re living in very poor conditions which your landlord is responsible for, but they won’t do anything about it, you can withhold rent. You can find out more about your rights over at Tenants’ rights and where to go for help.
How do I get rid of mice, rats, cockroaches and other vermin?
The most obvious solution is to lay down traps in places the pests frequently haunt. Look for any holes in your house that they could get through, or put flour down to help track their movements, then seal any nearby holes.
You have the option of a traditional trap or a humane trap. The latter are predominantly for mice. You place a small bit of food, like peanut butter or chocolate, in the trap and their weight will tilt the trap and close it. Then you release it into the wild, preferably far away from your home so that they don't find their way back. Try rat poison around the trap if you're using a traditional one.
For those who love their gadgets, there are electronic devices available which emit high-pitched sound waves inaudible to humans. The screech will supposedly drive them right out.
Another option is to get a cat! Farmyard cats are the best 'ratters'.
Bugs are best exterminated professionally.Your local council will provide pest control, but charges vary. Check Gov.uk for your nearest pest control service.
Have you lived in a home crawling with vermin? We want to hear your horror stories! Leave a comment below and tell us how you got rid of them.
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