INTERVIEW WITH PEST CONTROL EXPERTS, INOCULAND

Last Updated on : 12th December 2016

Daniel Neves, a.k.a. “The Terminator”, is a vocational biologist and founder of Inoculand Ltd – a London-based pest control company with a dynamic approach to pests.

So, why did you decide to start up your business?

The idea for Inoculand hit me while I was working for Lambeth council as a pest control officer. I was shocked to find out that a huge number of companies – and even councils – were using temporary solutions to pest control, rather than looking for a more permanent option. So without hesitation, I started strategising and designing treatments to stop pests once and for all – and Inoculand was born!

Top tips for preventing pests?

If you’re refurbishing your property, whether you’re installing a new kitchen, bathroom or converting your loft or basement, it’s crucial you proof your propertyproperly. This involves making sure there are no holes or cracks on the outside and inside of the home – including entry points for utilities and pipes. Remember, mice can squeeze through a hole the size of a 5p coin!

I recently worked with a couple who had spent hundreds of thousands renovating and extending their property – and it looked absolutely stunning. But unfortunately the builder hadn’t pest proofed it thoroughly. Fast forward five months, and as a result of one through the floor, the house was rife with rats who chewed through wiring and even the pipes. The couple ended up spending a lot more money than they’d anticipated to get their home back.

How can landlords or property owners save money with pest control?

This question leads on nicely from my last point, because prevention will always save you money! Cheap DIY or quick pest control solutions will only work for a short amount of time, and they’ll end up costing more in the long run.

Take, expanding foam as example. It’s used by many trusted companies to block holes to stop mice, but foam only covers the visible area and rodents can chew through it quite easily. Mice proofing at Inoculand involves fully sealing critical areas with wire wool, wood and sometimes even metal plates. This guarantees effectiveness for the long-term.

Baiting versus proofing?

As a biologist I can vouch that rodent proofing is the most ecological, cost-effective and long-lasting solution. But to be extra safe, I would advise carrying out a round of baiting before proofing the property, so you make sure that no pests are left inside! If you have to bait several times per year, consider proofing your property!

What kind of poison do professional pest controllers use?

Bait has to be as appealing as food to rodents! I recommend using only high quality bait – Sorexa D, a BASF product, is our starting point. Mice love it, so they’ll go for it even when other food is available.

Are older properties more prone to pests?

You’ll often find woodworm activity in old buildings, which can be a huge hindrance when you want to sell up. If you notice small holes scattered across the surface of timber or furniture, it’s likely you have woodworm. I’d recommend getting an expert in to eradicate the problem before the insects cause real structural damage to your property.

Don’t let the bed bugs bite!

Bed bugs are a big problem – especially for landlords! I get a lot of calls from exasperated landlords who tell me they’ve cleaned, thrown away the mattress, replaced it with a new one, and the tenants are still complaining they’re getting bitten.

If you’re lucky enough to have lovely tenants, don’t let pests drive them out of the property. Regarding bug bugs, the first thing I’d say is that it’s generally an unnecessary expense to throw away beds or bedding – especially as there’s a high change that any new mattresses, box springs or beds you bring into the home will quickly become re-infested. The money to replace a bed or mattress might better be spent on hiring a professional who will get rid of the pests and inject a sense of confidence in the tenant, too. When one tenant leaves, it’s advised you check the mattress once again.

Why choose Inoculand?

We don’t just get rid of pests, we make sure they don’t come back! I spend months monitoring results, so I can adapt my treatments to make sure they are the best on the market. Our biggest contribution to the industry has to be our mouse proofing service with a 1 year guarantee, which is an instant and preventive solution.

We’re extremely proud to work with Portico estate agents and be a Portico Preferred Contractor as it means we can offer a cost-effective pest control service for the landlord and an efficient solution for the tenant.

Visit Incouland’s website to find out more or to book a treatment give us a call today on 0207 099 4000.

If you would like to buy, sell or let your property, or if you’d like any more information on the market, give Portico estate agents a ring today on 0207 099 4000.

Portico London estate agents have branches in Acton, Battersea, Bloomsbury, Camden, Clapham, Dulwich,Fulham, Hammersmith, Highbury, Islington, West Hampstead, Bethnal Green, Leyton, Walthamstow, Ilford, Forest Gate, Woodford and Chigwell.