- 01772 702000
- info@platformfs.co.uk
- Derby House Chambers, Suite 7, Lytham Rd, Preston PR2 8JE.
Pest Control Cover
Protect Your Home and Stay Legally Compliant
A pest problem does not fix itself. The longer it goes untreated, the more it costs — and for landlords, the bigger your legal exposure.
Qualified BPCA exterminator. Fast call-out. No extra cost to you. Legally compliant from day one.
Does Home Insurance Cover Pest Control?
Standard Home Insurance
Does not cover pest removal. Insurers treat infestations as a maintenance issue — not a sudden event.
One Exception Only
If a rat chews an electrical cable causing a fire, buildings insurance may cover the fire damage. It will not pay to remove the rats.
What You Actually Need
Home emergency cover with pest infestation included — or a standalone pest insurance policy. That's what we provide.
What Does Pest Control Cover Include?
Call-out fees, labour, and professional treatment included. Hover each card to see coverage details.
Rats & Mice
Full treatment and eradication. Landlords legally required to act under Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949.
Wasp & Hornets
Wasp and hornet nest removal included as standard. Safe professional removal — do not attempt DIY.
Bed Bugs
Professional heat or chemical treatment. DIY is ineffective. Heat treatment alone can cost £1,200 without cover.
Squirrels
Grey squirrels in lofts and roof spaces — can cause serious structural and wiring damage if left untreated.
Cockroaches & Fleas
Cockroach and flea infestations — both health hazards and potential grounds for tenant compensation claims.
Not Covered — Protected Species & Outbuildings
Landlords — You Have Legal Duties
Two Laws. One Clear Duty.
The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 requires landlords to keep properties free from rats and mice.
The Landlord & Tenant Act 1985 S.11 requires the property to remain fit for habitation throughout the tenancy.
Ignore a reported infestation and your tenant can report you to Environmental Health. Councils inspect and enforce — especially on HMOs.
Environmental Health
Tenants can report unresolved infestations to the council. Improvement notices can be issued within days.
Court Action & Compensation
In serious cases tenants can claim compensation for the period the property was uninhabitable or posed a health risk.
HMO Landlords — Stricter Rules
Multiple tenants increases health risk. Councils inspect HMOs more actively and enforce faster.
Cover = Same Day Response
Pest cover means an exterminator is booked the same day a problem is reported. You meet your legal duty without delay.
Signs You Have a Pest Problem
Act early. Early treatment costs less and limits damage. Watch out for these warning signs.
Dark Droppings
Near food cupboards or behind appliances — the first and most common sign of rodent activity.
Scratching at Night
Scratching or scuttling sounds in walls, ceilings, or under floors — often rats or squirrels in roof spaces.
Gnaw Marks
On skirting boards, electrical cables, or food packaging. Cable damage is a fire risk — act immediately.
Nests & Burrows
In lofts, wall cavities, or under floorboards. Nesting materials like shredded paper or fabric are a clear sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Most standard policies exclude infestations entirely. You need home emergency cover with pest infestation included, or a standalone pest insurance policy.
Yes. Most pest cover policies include wasp and hornet nest removal as standard. Never attempt to remove a nest yourself — always use a BPCA approved contractor.
The landlord is responsible under the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985 — unless the tenant caused the infestation through poor hygiene practices.
Yes. Landlord home emergency plans can cover multiple properties. Each gets its own policy and dedicated emergency call-out line.
The British Pest Control Association sets professional standards for UK pest control. A BPCA approved contractor is trained, insured, and uses approved methods. We only use BPCA contractors.