‘‘I’m so embarrassed”

If I had a pound for every time a customer has apologised to me or has expressed embarrassment at reporting a pest, I would be picking out my yacht right now!

Contrary to popular belief, having an infestation isn't always down to poor hygiene; pests are opportunistic creatures by nature - they follow their instincts to find wherever will provide food, water and a good place to breed.

A mouse for example can fit through an opening as small as an average pencil - so a squeaky (pardon the pun) clean house can be infiltrated via a crack in the foundations or through gaps around external pipes and cabling. That beautiful wisteria growing at the front of your house is a direct ladder for rats and mice to set up camp in your loft.

Bedbugs hitch a ride to their next meal, jumping on luggage, clothing and furniture in transit; That lovely hotel you stayed at last weekend sent you home with more than just the tiny shampoo and white robe!

It's a bit like that age-old myth that head lice live on dirty heads, it's not true at all. Head lice just want a human head they can feed off regardless of whether it's clean or dirty.

The fact that you are actively seeking to address the problem is what's important as it protects health and safety, and potentially expensive damage to property.

You have the right to ask your pest controller be discreet. It is not uncommon for Pest Control companies to park away from the address or to use unmarked vehicles.

So don't cut off your nose to spite your face, and Veto that pest!!