Pest control in London – 8 reasons it is a big challenge

Pest controllers in London are all too aware of the major problems a range of pest animals cause, including rodents, insects and birds.

What the wider public may not realise is that conditions in the capital make pest control in London particularly challenging. Here are 8 key factors that pest controllers contend with every day as they seek to help their clients stay pest-free.

Population growth

London’s population is growing twice as fast as the national growth rate, according to the Office of National Statistics, and could reach 9.8 million by 2025. This is impacting greatly on pest control in London. Mice and rats have evolved to live in or very close to our buildings. More people mean more rats and mice.

Overcrowding

It means London is one of the most exciting cities in the world, but also one of the most crowded ones in the UK. Mice and rat control becomes harder in overcrowded properties, which are often less well maintained, so have building fabric that is ideal for creating mice and rat habitats.

High levels of shared accommodation

High house prices and the nature of the working population mean a larger proportion of the population live in shared accommodation. This, impacts the maintenance levels, and so increases the likelihood of pests also finding a home. Privately-rented property that is more intensively used is harder to maintain, so pest control in London becomes more difficult to manage.

Living on the go

Life in London can be more hectic than in many other areas of the country. People live on the go. A Local Government Association report showed that 20% of all fast food outlets in the UK are located in the capital. This generates more food waste that translates into bigger pest control problems in London, with larger mice and rat populations.

Overstretched utilities

London has the busiest sewer system in the UK. Sewers and drains are under greater strain than anywhere else. This puts a particular strain on pest controllers in London as drains and sewers are a common home and communication channel for rats.

Development disruption

More building development goes on in the UK’s capital than anywhere else in the UK. Homes are being upgraded and extended. A big trend now is to build basements, as moving to large homes is prohibitively expensive. Pest control in London is made harder by this process, as disruption caused by building work is a common reason for mice and rats migrating from one property to another.

Pressure on public services

Councils are under more financial pressure in London than anywhere else, resulting in swingeing cuts in environmental health services. In a report, the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health says budgets had been cut by 6.8% nationally, but 20% in London, with the biggest cuts in pest control. This is undoubtedly adding to pest control problems in London.

The green city

Amazing but true – London is one of the greenest cities in the world. By that we mean it’s got lots of trees and grass! In fact, a report by the Corporation of London found it was the greenest city Europe, with 40% of land covered by woodland and parks. This is obviously good news. But, as an urban area, it also means there is an increased chance of pest species like squirrels and certain birds causing a nuisance.

So, what does all this mean for pest controllers in London? Well, obviously, there is a big demand on their services. Householders, landlords, and businesses needing pest control help need to select the right help wisely.

At SUPERPROOF we aim to provide the best pest control services in London by concentrating on proofing properties against pest animals. Other pest controllers may promote baiting and traps for mice and rats. We do not.

We can prove that trying to control mice and rats in this way does not work, as you are not solving the underlying issue, which is: mice and rats want to live with humans, and if you leave entrances open for them, more will always get in.

As with many other pest animals, the best solution is to stop them getting into your property in the first place. Call us today for the most effective pest control service in London. We’re here to help. As you can see, in London there is every chance you will need it!