Dilapidated block of flats.

Housing, health and pests: infestations as indicators of systemic substandard living conditions

One of the key insights from the Labour Party Conference 2024 was that housing challenges do not exist in isolation, writes Jordan McCay, policy and campaigns officr at British Pest Control Association (BPCA).

Having attended the Labour Party Conference 2024, a common theme emerged from the overwhelming number of discussions focused on addressing the UK’s housing crisis.

From panel sessions featuring MPs, housing associations, and social welfare charities, one unifying message quickly became clear - the urgent need to build more homes, maintain existing housing stock, and tackle the broader social disadvantages tied to poor housing conditions.

Having attended the Labour Party Conference 2024, a common theme emerged from the overwhelming number of discussions focused on addressing the UK’s housing crisis.

From panel sessions featuring MPs, housing associations, and social welfare charities, one unifying message quickly became clear - the urgent need to build more homes, maintain existing housing stock, and tackle the broader social disadvantages tied to poor housing conditions.

Housing as a cornerstone of wellbeing

The conference highlighted how poor housing quality has a cascading effect on individuals and families.

Substandard homes often contribute to severe health problems, including respiratory issues caused by damp and mould, mental health challenges stemming from overcrowding and stress, and diseases spread by pests. 

Pest issues are extremely common in social homes due to chronic lack of funding leading to poor maintenance and few long-term strategies being put in place to control infestations. 

Latest figures reveal that Scotland’s housing repairs backlog has reached nearly £6m, while the number of social housing tenants taking rat complaints to the Ombudsman has risen tenfold in the past four years, from 71 complaints in 2019/20, to 759 in 2022/23.

Children living in unstable or unsafe housing are particularly vulnerable. Frequent relocations or housing-related health issues can lead to school absences and difficulty focusing, which jeopardises their education and future opportunities.

For adults, poor housing conditions can affect the ability to maintain steady employment. Housing-related stress, numerous moves, and illnesses tied to substandard living environments create barriers to stability. 

The conference made it clear that investment in housing must go beyond increasing supply. Ensuring quality and maintenance of existing homes is equally critical.

BPCA’s work underscores the importance of addressing pest infestations as part of these broader efforts, as pest control plays a crucial role in improving public health and overall living conditions.

Pests as indicators of housing problems

Pests are not just nuisances; they often signal deeper structural and environmental issues within a property.

Infestations typically arise when housing conditions deteriorate, pointing to problems like dampness, waste mismanagement, or overcrowding.

Damp and structural damage are among the most common issues leading to pest infestations.

Poorly maintained homes often have cracks in walls and foundations that allow rodents such as rats and mice to enter.

These pests not only highlight neglect but also carry harmful diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella, posing serious health risks to residents.

Moisture-loving pests like silverfish, woodlice, and fungus gnats thrive in damp conditions caused by leaking roofs, poor ventilation, or faulty plumbing.

These pests serve as warning signs of maintenance issues that, if left unaddressed, can lead to costly repairs for landlords and local authorities.

Waste mismanagement is another major contributor to pest problems. Overflowing bins and poorly maintained communal spaces attract pests such as cockroaches, flies, and rats.

Cockroach allergens, found in their droppings and shed skin, can exacerbate asthma and other respiratory conditions, particularly in children.

In urban areas with insufficient waste facilities, infestations become more likely, creating public health hazards and further reducing residents’ quality of life.

Overcrowded housing exacerbates pest problems, as increased waste production, connected properties and higher humidity create ideal conditions for infestations.

Bed bugs are particularly associated with overcrowded rental properties. Their bites can cause allergic reactions, insomnia, and significant psychological stress, particularly for families who feel powerless to resolve the problem.

Overcrowding also increases the likelihood of pest-borne diseases spreading within tightly packed living spaces.

The social and economic impact of pests

Pest infestations intensify the challenges faced by residents in substandard housing.

The health risks discussed further endanger the wellbeing of residents, particularly vulnerable groups such as children, the elderly, and low-income families who cannot afford professional pest control. 

The financial burden of pest control often falls on tenants, adding further strain to households already struggling with poor living conditions.

Additionally, the social stigma of living with pests can lead to isolation, embarrassment, and a decline in mental health, particularly for families with young children.

These combined factors mean that people often attempt DIY pest control, which is usually ineffective and occasionally dangerous.

This can lead to infestations growing out of control and spreading to neighbouring properties, and a more expensive pest problem that when it began.

Proactive solutions for better housing

The conference underscored the importance of proactive solutions to tackle housing challenges, however, failed to stress the importance of professional pest control in the housing dilemma.

Addressing the root causes of infestations, such as dampness, waste mismanagement, and overcrowding, is essential for improving housing quality and protecting public health.

Regular property inspections can identify and resolve maintenance issues before they lead to infestations.

Landlords must also be held accountable for maintaining pest-free housing, ensuring tenants do not bear the cost of neglect.

Community education plays a vital role, empowering residents with knowledge about pest prevention and clear reporting channels to address problems swiftly.

Integrating pest management into housing policy is essential. Pests are often the visible manifestation of deeper systemic failings, and addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach.

BPCA views pest control as a critical component of public health and housing strategy, ensuring all residents have access to safe and dignified living conditions, and remains committed to advocating for pest control as part of the national housing conversation.

Tackling pests as indicators of housing quality is not just about improving living standards but about ensuring that everyone, regardless of income or circumstance, has the right to a safe, healthy home.

In its manifesto released last summer, BPCA set out the disease, distress and destruction that can be caused by public health pests and the role its members have in preventing and tackling pest-related problems that can have direct negative impacts on people’s lives.

Read the manifesto at bpca.org.uk/policy

BPCA members are trained, experienced professionals who are regularly assessed to the British Standard in Pest Management BS EN 16636 and endorsed by the Government via the TrustMark quality scheme.

Professional pest controllers can be found here.

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