WHETHER we like to admit it or not, sometimes we get all sorts of pests trying to invade our homes.

This happens especially during colder months when falling temperatures drive everything from insects to rodents to look for warm and dry places with food sources.

Mouse behind an electrical outlet and a chewed wire.Mice and rats can be an issue in homes over autumn and colder months Credit: Getty Ant infestation with ants crawling on a cracked wall.Homeowners are also prone to finding bugs in their home when tempertaures drop Credit: Getty

So with autumn now just days away, a pest expert has revealed his cheap and easy trick that can keep pests out of your home.

And the best part is that it only costs around £1.

John Whiteley-Wilkson, Managing Director at Acorn Environment Services , says picking up some self-adhesive draught excluder strips could make a world of difference.

The pest control expert warns that mice, rats, insects and other critters can often find their way into homes through surprisingly small gaps around doors, windows and pipework.

And these strips can help block small gaps around external doors that they may try to use – and can be picked up from DIY stores and supermarkets for around £1.

For example, it is available from Amazon for just 99p, while Argos has a pack of three for £3.99.

John has called it “one of the simplest preventative measures” in keeping pests at bay.

He said: “Many people think pests get into homes through large holes, but that’s rarely the case.

“Mice only need a gap around the width of a pencil to squeeze through, while insects can enter through even smaller openings.

“One of the easiest and cheapest things homeowners can do before autumn arrives is check for gaps around external doors and fit draught excluder strips where they’re needed.

“It won’t solve every problem, but it can remove one of the easiest entry points.”

While the strips are primarily designed to improve insulation, John says they can also make it more difficult for pests to enter at ground level.

A mouse peeking out of a hole in a textured wall, next to an electrical outlet with a cord plugged in.Expert John Whiteley-Wilkson says mice only need a gap around the width of a pencil to squeeze through Credit: Getty

VITAL CHECKS

JOHN has also shared six things that homeowners should check ahead of autumn to keep unwanted guests at bay.

He recommends that everyone should carry out the following checks around the outside of their property:

  • Checking pipe entry points for small openings that could allow pests inside
  • Fitting draught excluder strips to external doors where gaps are visible
  • Repairing damaged air bricks or vents with suitable mesh where appropriate
  • Trimming vegetation that is touching exterior walls, giving pests easier access
  • Making sure bins remain closed and food waste isn’t left close to the property
  • Clearing fallen fruit from gardens before it begins attracting insects and rodents

He added: “People often think about keeping the cold out, but the same small gaps letting draughts in can also provide easy access for pests.

“September is the ideal time to carry out these checks because once temperatures begin dropping further, rodents and insects become much more determined to find shelter indoors.”

But the pest control pro stresses that prevention and early action are key for keeping all kinds of pests out of the home.

John said: “Prevention is always easier than dealing with an infestation once pests have established themselves indoors.

“We often attend properties where the issue could have been avoided with a few simple maintenance jobs carried out before autumn.

“Spending a small amount now could save homeowners a much bigger headache later in the year.”