How do I protect my home from pests this summer?

Please note, we can only give you basic advice on this page to do the job yourself. Make sure you use the right tools and protective equipment to avoid hurting yourself or damaging your home. Always consult a professional for more complex repairs.

Home emergency insurance from Home Emergency Assist covers you in the event of an infestation of rats, mice, wasps and hornets in the home or buildings attached to the home.

In the meantime, we’ve put together a guide to help you protect your home from all manner of pests.

Bed Bugs

Signs you have a bed bug infestation are:

• Bites on your skin

• Skin that the bed bug sheds as it grows

• Visible live or dead bed bugs in cracks of your bed or home

How to prevent them:

• Wash and dry your bedding at a high temperature

• Reduce clutter in your bedroom/home

• Vacuum your bed and surrounding area, concentrating on crevices and empty the vacuum after use

• Hang clothes in wardrobes rather than drawers and store suitcases in your garage between trips

If you suspect an infestation, there are DIY treatments available as well as professional experts

Wasps

Common places for wasp nests are in the eaves or the loft. Removal of these can be tricky as they can aggressively defend their nests.

• Keep bins tightly closed and away from the house

• Remove food sources; especially things that are sweet

• Keep windows and doors closed where possible

• Certain herbs, such as thyme, repel wasps naturally so use these in your garden, near the house or anywhere you may sit

Mice

• Seal up any potential entry points (mice only need a gap of 5mm to get in!)

• Remove potential nesting sites by keeping your garden clean and tidy

• Cover household waste; close dustbin lids and cover compost heaps

• Store your food in airtight containers and clean up food debris immediately

• Install door brush strips on exterior doors

Looking to save money on insurance? From boiler and heating protection to plumbing and drainage, and appliance cover, we’ve got a plan to suit every need and budget. Get a free quote online in just minutes and see how much you could save. Or find out more about how protection against unexpected events can help you keep life running smoothly.