Rodent infestations could devalue homes by £20,000

Homeowners are being warned rodent infestations could devalue their property by 20%. 

Home insurance experts from Quotezone.co.uk are advising Brits to keep house maintenance at the top of their list ahead of rodent season. 

Rats breed between March and October and are most active between September and November as they infest homes, garages and sheds in search of food to stockpile for the winter. 

Damage caused by rats and mice can knock £20,000 or more off the value of the average UK property.

Rodent-infested houses often see a reduction of 20% from their asking price as the cost of repairs can be expensive.

The smell of vermin nests can be tricky to eliminate, rats and mice like to gnaw on electric cables and pipework and cause damage to joists and studwork – eliminating the rodents can cost up to tens of thousands of pounds.  

Most insurance providers don’t cover damages caused by rats and mice because an infestation is not considered an unforeseen risk but rather an issue caused by a lack of maintenance.

With estimates putting the number of rats in the UK anywhere between 10.5 - 120 million, it’s important that homeowners know what to be on the lookout for.  

‘Rub’ or ‘smear’ marks from their coats rubbing along hallways is normally the first clue, followed by gnawed holes and torn bags of foodstuffs.  One of the most common signs that rats have paid a visit is their faeces, which are dark and pellet-shaped, and look like large grains of rice.

Greg Wilson, Founder and CEO at home insurance comparison site Quotezone.co.uk said: “Lack of maintenance could invalidate home insurance and leave homeowners unprotected.

“To help prevent rodents from entering your home it’s important to give the building a thorough check for holes and gaps and seal off any possible entrances for pests - ensuring there are no accessible food sources to attract them.

“As we approach peak rodent season, it’s important for homeowners to inspect their houses and carry out any essential maintenance to help keep their houses vermin-free.

“Because rats and mice are quick breeders, infestations can spiral out of control in no time so it’s important to carry out regular hygiene and maintenance checks to prevent rodents from wreaking havoc on homeowners’ properties and wallets. 

“If a property has an infestation, it can reduce its value by up to 20%, and the seller is required by law to disclose this information.”

The team at Quotezone.co.uk have put together a checklist to help keep the house pest-free:

1.Clear clutter

If you want to prevent rodents from invading your home, it's important to reduce clutter as much as possible. Get rid of any unnecessary items in your living spaces, as well as in your attic or garage. You should also consider storing your belongings in tightly sealed plastic containers.

2.Check your food storage

Spring is a good time to clean out your cupboards and make sure that rodents don’t have any access to food sources. Get rid of cardboard boxes and containers that don’t fully seal and replace them with glass containers with fitted lids.

3.Fix leaks

Rodents are attracted to sources of moisture as it provides them with the water they need to survive. As a result, it becomes crucial to take prompt action and fix any leaking pipes or taps to help prevent pests from infesting your home.

4.Seal cracks

Any potential entry points through cracks and small holes should be sealed off to prevent rodents from entering your house. Proper sealing not only keeps rodents out, but also provides insulation, which can help reduce energy costs.

5.Clear debris from the garden

The debris in your garden, such as piles of leaves, grass cuttings, excess birdseed and wood, can attract pests by providing them with food, shelter and nesting material. 

6.Clean the bins

The bins inside and outside your house should be clean and properly sealed to prevent the odours from attracting pests. Regular cleaning and sanitising the bins, especially after disposing of food waste, can go a long way in preventing foul odours and protecting your home against an infestation.