Common University Pests

In Pests

Common pests at university

Going to university is usually the first taste of independence for many. Living away from home, dealing with rent and other bills, food shopping and busy schedules.

Common pests at university can include rodents, flies, bed bugs and fleas. While you may feel the urge to combat the problem yourself or suffer in silence out of embarrassment or shame, neither of these options will help deal with the problems successfully. The first step to dealing with a pest problem is to contact your landlord or letting agent.

How to avoid common pests at university

We recommend that whether you live in halls or in a house that you try to keep the areas you live in as clean as possible. Cleaning dishes and removing rubbish will ensure that rodents and flies have no food sources within the premises that will attract them. Both of these pests are a health hazard and can contaminate surfaces and food with faeces and other matter. We recommend having a rota in place with your house mates to keep on top of the cleaning. It is also a good idea if you are in a house to ensure that the garden and the front of house are kept as clean as possible as well. This will discourage rodents from nesting and you won’t have any flies breeding in the area either.

Signs of pests

Possible signs that you may have a pest problem include-

Rodents – a strong smell of urine, gnawing damage to wood work and other surfaces and cables

Flies – different types are possible depending on location. Maggots around a bin area or where food waste has been left, or stagnant, still water or poor drainage area.

Bed bugs – depending on the reaction of the person there may be red marks on exposed skin, sticking out of bed covers. Second hand furniture and clothing can be a potential source.

Fleas – bites on the lower leg, below the knee. This can be because of previous tenants or brought from a home with pets. They will live in carpets and only leave them to feed.

PESTUK are full members of the BPCA, the governing body for pest control in the UK. Using a BPCA member company ensures you have a qualified and fully insured company treating your pest problem.

PESTUK have offices in Oxford, Guildford, Enfield, Shepperton, Wantage, St. Albans, Salisbury, St Albans and Enfield.

Call us on 0330 100 2811 to book an appointment regarding common pests at university or any other pest problem you may have.