Pests and Building Work in Queen's Park
Opening up an old house disturbs things that may have been quietly living in it for years, and leaves temporary gaps that let new visitors in. Planning for pests at the right moment in a renovation is far easier than dealing with them after the plasterboard is up.
When the floors come up
Lifting Victorian floorboards often reveals old mouse nests, droppings and decades of fluff in the voids — sometimes with carpet beetle larvae living in it. It is the best time to see how big a problem is, and the best time to treat, while everything is accessible.
Kitchens and pipework
Fitting a new kitchen means new holes for pipes and cables through walls and floors. If they are not sealed before the units go in, mice will find them. Ask your builder to close every service gap, or book proofing before the kickboards go on.
Lofts and roofs
Scaffolding gives squirrels and rats a new route to the roof, and lifted tiles or open eaves during a loft conversion give them a way in. Keep an ear out for noise overhead during and after the work.
A renovation checklist
- Look for droppings and nests whenever floors or walls are opened
- Treat active problems before the floor is closed again
- Seal pipe and cable holes before new units are fitted
- Check the roof line once scaffolding comes down
