As students across Ireland prepare to move into halls, shared student houses and privately rented accommodation for the new academic year, Rentokil is advising them look out for signs of unwanted pests.
From keeping food securely stored to reporting or blocking potential entry points, a few simple precautions can help students prevent pest problems throughout the academic year. Here are some facts and information to help.
Rats and mice
Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, depending on their age; young rats can pass through gaps of just 8mm to 12mm, while adult rats can navigate openings of 12mm to 20mm (roughly the diameter of a 20-cent coin ). Mice can fit through gaps as narrow as 5mm, about the width of a standard pencil. Both rodents can spread diseases, including Salmonella and Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease ).
Signs to look out for:
Dark, spindle-shaped droppings near skirting boards, in cupboards and under appliances.
Gnaw marks on wood, plastic or wiring.
Scratching or scurrying sounds at night.
How to prevent them:
Store all food in sealed containers and clear away food waste promptly.
Keep communal bin areas tidy and securely closed.
Report any gaps around pipework, doors or other potential entry points.
Report any suspected rodent activity immediately to the property manager or landlord so a professional can investigate. Rodent droppings and nests can be contaminated with diseases and should not be directly handled.
Bed bugs
Bed bugs can be transported into accommodation in luggage, clothing and second-hand furniture. While they don’t spread disease, their bites can cause itchy welts, skin irritation and, in some cases, allergic reactions.
Signs to look out for:
Reddish-brown smears or tiny dark spots on mattresses and bedding.
Shed skins or eggs around bed frames, mattress seams and under bedside tables.
Live bugs, which can be difficult to spot as they are small (the size of an apple pip ) and mainly active at night.
How to prevent them:
Carefully inspect second-hand furniture before bringing it indoors.
Wash all clothing, including unworn items, on a high heat setting (60°C ) after travelling.
Check suitcases and holdalls (paying particular attention to their seams ) carefully before storing them.
Avoid placing luggage directly on the bed or soft furnishings; placing it in the bath or shower tray while checking a room is preferable.
Bed bugs can spread quickly, so early reporting can help prevent an infestation from becoming more difficult to treat.
Silverfish
Silverfish are commonly found in damp, poorly ventilated areas such as bathrooms. They don’t bite or carry diseases, but can damage paper, wallpaper, textiles and dry foods.
Signs to look out for:
Small, wingless, silver-grey insects.
Irregular holes or etching on wallpaper, book pages and paper-based items.
Yellowish stains on fabrics, paper or wallpaper.
Tiny, dark, pepper-like droppings in cupboards or along skirting boards.
To help prevent them:
Use extractor fans or open windows after showering to reduce humidity.
Store dry food such as pasta, cereal and rice in sealed, airtight containers.
Recycle old cardboard, newspapers and magazines rather than letting them pile up.
Hoover regularly, paying attention to skirting boards, wardrobes and tight corners.
Cockroaches
Cockroaches are drawn to warmth, moisture and food residue, making shared kitchens and communal bins a common target in student accommodation.
Signs to look out for:
An oily or musty smell, particularly under sinks or behind appliances.
Droppings and smear marks along skirting boards or in cupboards.
Shed skins or egg cases in warm, hidden spots.
How to prevent them:
Avoid leaving food or liquid out overnight and store food in sealed containers
Wash dishes and empty bins regularly.
“Moving into shared accommodation is generally an exciting time for students, but it can also come with a few unexpected challenges,” said Colm Moore, regional technical manager at Rentokil. “Pests can be difficult to spot when you’re unfamiliar with a new property, so knowing the warning signs is important. Simple steps such as storing food securely, keeping communal areas clean and reporting any signs of pest activity early can help prevent a small issue from becoming a bigger problem.”
