Pests in an empty property

The short answer

Quiet, undisturbed properties attract mice, moths, wasps and, in tenements, pigeons in shared roof spaces. Treatment alone rarely holds: the entry point has to be found and sealed, food debris removed, and any shared source addressed with neighbours. Councils and private contractors both offer treatment, and evidence of it matters when reletting or selling.

What the work involves

Identifying the species and entry route, treatment by a competent contractor, removal of nesting material and contamination, then proofing gaps at services, eaves and under floors.

Rules and responsibilities in Scotland

Some species and their nests are protected at certain times, notably nesting birds and bats, so work must be planned accordingly. Waste from infestations may need specific disposal.

What commonly goes wrong

Repeated baiting without proofing the entry, and disturbing a bat roost or nesting birds, which can be an offence.

What it usually costs

Indicative ranges only, to help you judge a quote. They are not an estimate for your property — only the business doing the work can give you that.

• Council pest control is often cheaper for common pests; private contractors respond faster.
• Proofing work is a one-off cost that prevents repeat treatment charges.
• Shared tenement roof space problems become a shared cost between owners.

What to do, in order

1. 1Identify the pest and the route in before treating.
2. 2Use a competent contractor and keep the treatment report.
3. 3Remove nesting material and clean contaminated areas properly.
4. 4Seal gaps at pipe entries, eaves, air bricks and under floors.
5. 5Raise shared roof or stair issues with the other owners or factor.

Local detail for the Lothians

• Pigeons in shared tenement roof spaces and light wells are a recurring Edinburgh problem and are dealt with collectively by the owners.
• Mice move readily between flats in a tenement, so treatment in one flat alone often fails.
• Bats are protected and are found in older Lothian roof spaces — take advice before any roof work.

When you need a professional

A qualified pest control contractor, and NatureScot guidance or an ecologist where protected species may be involved.

Common questions

Why do empty properties get mice?

There is no disturbance, and existing entry points go unnoticed. Neighbouring activity in a tenement often pushes them along shared voids.

Is proofing really necessary after treatment?

Yes. Without closing the entry route, the problem returns and the treatment cost repeats.

Related pages

• Hoarded property clearance

  Clearing a heavily filled property safely, including biohazard and structural considerations.

• Damp and mould in an empty property

  Why empty properties grow mould, and how to dry one out before reletting or selling.

• Securing an empty property

  Locks, lighting, mail and the visible signs that a property is standing empty.