How has lockdown affected pest problems in London

London has always been an area popular for its pest infestations, especially the boroughs located close to the centre of the city. The problem is so bad that there’s a saying that states that in London, you’re never more than six feet from a rat. Just the tube network alone is home to thousands of rodents. 

Some attribute the large pest infestation problem in London to the fact that the city is so heavily populated. With more than 9.3 million people living in London, there is so much waste, food, and other attractions that different pests can benefit from. Others find the problem’s origin in the fact that a lot of Londoners live in flats or terraced houses, which makes the treatment a bit more difficult. 

But has the COVID-19 pandemic and lockdown had an impact on pest infestations in London? And how can you solve this problem? Should you hire a professional like Archers Pest Control in London or can you fight the infestation alone?

Increased pest infestations in London after lockdown 

The lockdown following the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic has certainly played a role in the increase in pest infestations in the city. The lockdown has drastically changed human behaviour, with a lot of people spending the majority of their time indoors. A natural consequence is that the city streets are no longer rich in food leftovers, garbage, and other elements that are attractive for pests. 

Furthermore, with restaurants and bars being prohibited from working, rats are forced to move out of these premises and seek food elsewhere. There aren’t a lot of places to look for food but one – residential properties. With families consuming most of their food at home, pests are now exploring a new direction, which can be seen in the increase of pest infestations in London over the past year. 

If you’re not sure what to expect, here are some of the most popular pests that Londoners have problems with:

• Mice
• Rats
• Fleas
• Cockroaches
• Bed Bugs
• Wasps
• Flies
• Moths

How can you keep your property protected from pest infestations?

One of the most certain ways to eliminate a pest infestation problem is to get help from a licensed pest removal company. If you do decide to tackle the problem by yourself, it’s essential to ask yourself a few questions. 

Will the DIY pest control consume a lot of your time only to provide results that are not really guaranteed? Could tackling a pest infestation alone cost more than hiring an expert to quickly get rid of the problem? Have the pests only attacked your living space or are your business premises also in danger? For example, fleas and termites can easily travel by hiding in your clothes and can quickly infest other locations as well, resulting in disrupted business activities and chaos. 

In order to keep your property protected and ensure the pests stay away, it’s essential to regularly check the condition of your home. There are a few things that may welcome pests into your home without you even realizing it:

• Standing water
• Clogged gutters
• Dirty garbage bins
• Food 
• Dirty grills
• Cracks & crevices
• Poorly maintained floors 
• Missing door sweeps
• Wood piles 

If you want to stay away from a pest infestation, make sure to have seasonal inspections of your property to guarantee that the condition of your house won’t allow any pests to invade and take over your space. Fix any spotted issues as soon as possible and take measures the moment you spot even a single bug or insect in the house.