If you are dealing with pest control issues in Cardiff, such as rats, mice or insects, this guide explains what to do and when to report it.
Pests can be frustrating, but in most cases preventing and dealing with minor infestations is the tenant’s responsibility.
You are expected to take reasonable steps to keep the property clean and pest-free. Where an issue arises due to food storage, rubbish build-up, hygiene, or general lifestyle factors, the cost of treatment may be chargeable.
Please report pest issues early. Pest Control is often much easier and cheaper to resolve before they become a larger infestation.
Different types of pests show different signs, such as droppings, bites, unusual smells, or visible insects around food, bins, or bedding. Identifying the pest early will help you take the right action and prevent the problem from getting worse.
Many minor pest issues can be resolved quickly by improving cleanliness, removing food sources, and using standard shop-bought treatments. Acting early and maintaining good hygiene will often stop the problem before it develops into a larger infestation.
Pest issues are usually caused by accessible food waste, poor hygiene, cluttered spaces, or unclean kitchens and communal areas. In shared properties, problems can develop more quickly if responsibility for cleaning and waste disposal is not clearly managed.
You should contact us if the infestation is severe, persistent, or you believe it is caused by a structural issue such as gaps, vents, or defects in the property. Issues that were present at the start of your tenancy or cannot be resolved with basic measures should also be reported.
Pest issues are often easier to deal with when identified early. Common signs include droppings, unusual smells, scratching or movement noises (especially at night), damage to food packaging, or visible insects in kitchens, bathrooms or around windows. You may also notice nests, shed skins, or increased insect activity around bins or drains.
In many cases, minor pest issues can be resolved quickly without the need for a contractor. Keeping the property clean, removing food sources, and using basic shop-bought treatments can often stop a problem early. Regular cleaning, emptying bins, and ensuring food is stored properly will make a significant difference.
In shared properties, pest issues can often arise more easily due to multiple occupants using kitchens and communal spaces. It’s important that all housemates take responsibility for cleanliness, waste disposal, and food storage.
Leaving food out, overflowing bins, or unclean shared areas can quickly lead to pest problems. Clear communication and shared responsibility between housemates will help prevent issues from developing.
In most cases, pest control during the tenancy is the tenant’s responsibility, particularly where the issue is linked to food, rubbish, cleanliness, or day-to-day living conditions.
If we arrange a contractor and the issue is found to be preventable or caused by tenant lifestyle, the cost of the visit or treatment may be charged.
Keep outdoor areas tidy, make sure bins are sealed, and do not leave food waste accessible. If you notice droppings, chewing, scratching noises, or possible entry points, act quickly before the issue worsens.
Ants are often attracted by sugary foods and crumbs. Clean surfaces regularly, wipe up spills straight away, and keep food sealed. Shop-bought ant treatments can often resolve minor problems quickly.
Cockroaches are attracted to food, moisture, and warm environments, and are most commonly found in kitchens and bathrooms. To reduce the risk, it is important to keep all surfaces clean and dry, avoid leaving dirty dishes overnight, and dispose of rubbish regularly. If you notice repeated activity or signs of infestation, the issue should be reported as soon as possible.
Fleas are commonly associated with animals or can occasionally be present from previous occupants. They are usually found in carpets, bedding, and soft furnishings. If you have pets, they should be treated regularly and the property should be vacuumed frequently. If fleas are discovered at the start of your tenancy, this should be reported to us immediately.
Bedbugs are uncommon but require professional treatment. They are typically found around beds and soft furnishings. Signs may include bites on the skin, small blood spots on bedding, or visible insects around mattress seams. Bedbugs should not be treated and must be reported straight away so appropriate action can be taken.
Flies and fruit flies are often caused by exposed food, bins, or unclean drains. Good kitchen hygiene is key to preventing them, including regularly emptying bins, keeping food covered, and cleaning sinks and plugholes. Fruit flies are usually temporary and can be resolved by removing the source and maintaining a clean environment
In most cases, pest control during the tenancy is the tenant’s responsibility, particularly where the issue is related to food, waste, or day-to-day living conditions.
If a contractor is arranged and the issue is found to be preventable, charges may apply.
Where issues are caused by day-to-day living conditions, treatment costs may be charged.
If the problem hasn’t been resolved using the steps above, please report it to us with as much detail as possible.
Please ensure you have followed the steps above before reporting a maintenance issue, as many problems can be resolved without the need for a contractor.
However is the problem persits we can arrange for Pest Control to visit the property.
or Find independant advice on pest control from Cardiff Council via thier website
