Pests are constantly searching for food.
The last thing you want to do is make it easy for them, especially by not taking care of where you dump your rubbish.
Your rubbish also gives pests an option to make themselves a home, if rubbish is left in one place for too long. And eventually they will find their way inside your property, causing further chaos.
Let’s take a look at what pests you have to safeguard against, both inside and outside of your property.
Outside
Rats and mice are the most common pests which are attracted to rubbish, especially if bags are poorly sealed and where bins have no lids. Food waste is their preferred meal; however, they will also seek to build a nest out of other material if it’s left laying around for too long. Rats seek refuge from cold temperatures, and a build-up of rubbish offers them a solution.
Rats can gnaw and chew their way through thick materials and squeeze through very small holes, so your property is at risk from an infestation. Rats and mice can cause structural damage to insulation and wires in wall cavities, creating a costly problem for you. They also spread harmful bacteria and diseases, so this is one pest to avoid.
Pigeons and seagulls scavenge for food and will take advantage of overflowing bins. Pigeons are particularly attracted to grains, seeds, and fruits. They also spread disease through their droppings. Seagulls, like pigeons, can tear through plastic bin bags if they believe there’s food inside.
Foxes, dwelling in urban areas, eat whatever they can find. They will rummage around and take food back to their den to feed their young. They also leave behind a mess, making it obvious which pest is responsible.
Inside
Inside of your property, you have much smaller pests to be aware of.
Flies are the most common pest who love rotting food and overflowing bins. They are also a health hazard as they spread diseases by landing on food that is going to be consumed. If rubbish is left for too long, flies can lay eggs which then turn into maggots. The maggots will then grow into flies, leaving you with a never-ending infestation if rubbish is neglected.
Ants are another pest, but fortunately they don’t pose a health risk to humans. They do multiply very quickly when discarded food is not sealed properly. Ants leave a scented trail for other ants to follow. When you see a few ants, take action to avoid an infestation.
Cockroaches inhabit kitchens by hiding behind or under appliances. They will eat almost any food that humans throw away and they certainly pose a danger to your health as they carry harmful bacteria.
Not only are pests a nuisance, some carry diseases and therefore should be dealt with immediately. Bins should be emptied and cleaned regularly. Additionally, loose food waste can be placed in compostable bags and then placed into the main bin.
If all else fails, call an expert who can advise you, or intervene to help eliminate and prevent an infestation.