Rodent warning from insurance company

Homeowners are being urged to review their home insurance while also ensuring their homes are adequately secured against unwanted guests.

As the Met Office predicts widespread cold conditions this week, insurance company esure.com says homeowners should not only protect their homes against the cold, but also against pests.

Over the last year, 11 per cent of householders in the UK had problems with pests and had to face bills for the removal of rodents such as mice, rats and squirrels, research by ICM shows.

esure.com, the first insurance company to offer pest insurance for ridding homes of the five most common pests, says cold snaps could lure these rodents indoors.

By not advertising homes as food sources for these animals through spilled rubbish or open pet food, as well as ridding houses of unwanted clothes which could be used for rodents' nests, homeowners could protect their property from infestation.

Be extra vigilant and do not delay in seeking professional advice if you notice any telltale signs such as gnawed wires or droppings, comments the head of home insurance and esure.com, Nikki Sellers.

She warns that the eradication of pest problems could be costly and homeowners without pest insurance might have to face hefty bills.

esure's pest insurance cover offers peace of mind to homeowners that they can receive a fast, professional and reliable pest control service at a low monthly cost, Ms Sellers concludes.