We’re all aware by now of the complete chaos that the cold weather can bring to our travel plans, and, as such, many people are choosing to stay inside for longer. But now we’ve been warned of a new problem that the cold weather brings directly to our homes.

Confused.com has just revealed that the cold weather could lead to an increase in rat infestations as they seek shelter in the warmth, which could have home insurance implications.

As well as the general unpleasantness of an infestation, the presence of rats in the home can lead to financial costs. Rats can cause damage to appliances as they can bite through cables, and this can lead to having to make a home insurance claim.

The Confused.com website has now issued some advice to homeowners to prevent them having to share their homes with the rodents. The main advice is to seal up any holes or gaps to stop them getting inside in the first place. The most important area for this is around brickwork and pipes.

Broken drain covers should also be fixed to stop rats getting in through the sewage system. More standard practices such as locking doors and windows and keeping rubbish enclosed in a secure bin can also play their part.

Home insurance policies vary in what they provide in terms of cover, so customers should always check if they are covered for an infestation before it is too late.

The head of Confused.com, Darren Black, said that “homeowners need to take steps which will prevent rats gaining access”, adding that “a few simple steps” is all it takes to reduce the risk of a rat invasion.

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