Mice will move in to properties where they can get shelter, food and water. They use the same pathways and can be detected by the appearance of smear marks where their fur rubs against surfaces. They also leave fresh droppings or gnaw marks.

Treatment: Please contact Glasgow City Council, Environmental Health Department link to site on 0141 287 9700 to report mice in or around your home. Southside Housing Association do not treat mice.

Once Glasgow City Council have eradicated mice from your home please contact our Repairs and Maintenance Department on repairs@southside-ha.co.uk or 0141 422 1112 (option 1) to repair any damage caused by the mice and to fill any access points the mice may have used.

 Rats are a hazard to public health as they can transmit a number of potentially fatal diseases as well as bacteria, viruses and parasites. They will scavenge discarded food as well as scavenging in drains and sewers. They burrow into soil, compost heaps and under sheds etc. They can squeeze into small openings and have very sharp teeth.

They are generally difficult to spot due to their nocturnal nature and the sighting of a rat by day can indicate a significant infestation. Signs of an infestation consist of droppings, gnaw marks, runs and smear marks.

Prevention: You and your neighbours are responsible for taking reasonable care of the common areas. This responsibility includes keeping the back court clean and tidy and disposing of household rubbish correctly.

Do not feed birds in your area unless using a suspended bird feeder.

Treatment: Please contact Glasgow City Council, Environmental Health Department on 0141 287 9700 to report rats in or around your home. Southside Housing Association do not treat rats.

Once Glasgow City Council have eradicated rats from your home please contact our Repairs and Maintenance Department via repairs@southside-ha.co.uk  or 0141 422 1112 to repair any damage caused by the rats and to fill any access points the rats may have used.

Cockroaches are an insect with large antennae and 2 pairs of wings. They like warm humid conditions where they have a source of food and shelter. They are nocturnal and spend the day behind sinks and at the back of cupboards.

Cockroaches are attracted to dirty kitchens so good hygiene is essential.

Treatment: If you have an infestation of cockroaches please contact our Repairs and Maintenance Department on repairs@southside-ha.co.uk or  0141 422 1112. Treatment of cockroaches is free to all Southside Housing Association tenants.

Bed bugs are difficult to identify, they remain hidden during the daytime. Often the first sign of bed bugs are bites that appear on your body after you wake up. You may notice small dark spots on your mattress or bedding. If the infestation is severe you may spot live bed bugs and shed skins.

It is very easy to bring bed bugs into your home without realising it, they will hide in luggage, personal belongings, second hand furniture or even on you. An outbreak of bedbugs does not reflect on your standards of cleanliness in any way.

Prevention: The best prevention is to wash and dry clothes on the highest possible temperatures. Eliminate places for them to hide during the day by eliminating clutter from your home. Tidy all areas of your bed room, paying particular attention to the floor underneath and around your bed.

Treatment: If you have an infestation of bed bugs please contact our Repairs and Maintenance Department on repairs@southside-ha.co.uk or  0141 422 1112. Southside Housing Association tenants will be recharged for the treatment and removal of bed bugs.