An expert has revealed the clever trick Brits should consider this Christmas in order to keep an unwelcome visitor out. To help keep one particular pest away from your home, you should place a brick above your bin. That is according to one expert, who has issued a fresh warning about rats as the busy festive season sees Brits cooking, eating and disposing of more food over the next few weeks.
Rats are always looking out for a source of food, and your bins could become just that over the Christmas period. MoneySuperMarket says that food waste increases by a staggering average of 30% during Christmas, giving rodents such as rats more reasons to enter your home. Once you have rats in your home, it’s hard to get rid of them. But there are a few steps you can take to prevent that from happening, including placing bricks on bins.
This suggestion comes from Kara Gamell, insurance expert at MoneySuperMarket. She explained: “Rats may be small, but the damage that they can cause can be huge. These pests can chew through almost anything – from floorboards and plasterboard to pipes and electrical wiring – leaving you facing structural issues, burst pipes, or even a fire risk.
“And here’s the sting in the tail: standard home insurance typically won’t cover pest infestations because insurers view it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden, unforeseen event like a fire or storm.”
With many people visiting family across the country over the festive period, Kara suggests placing a brick on wheelie bins so rats aren’t attracted to any food waste.
She said: “Ensure your wheelie bin and rubbish are secure by keeping the lid closed and consider putting a brick on top. Keeping bin lids secure reduces the chance of rats gaining access and encourages them to move elsewhere. And if you are travelling between Christmas and New Year, make sure to empty your indoor bins before you set off.”
Additionally, households should make sure they are taking their bins out regularly, sealing entry points in their homes so rats can’t get in, and tidying and trimming their gardens so rats have fewer places to hide.
She added: “If you suspect rats, don’t delay. Contact a pest control professional and inform your home insurer if damage occurs. Swift action can prevent costly structural damage or even electrical fires caused by chewed wires.”
