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How to remove moss and algae at your holiday home

If you do not control or remove moss and algae it can creep up on you before you know it; so are you starting to notice green slime slowly moving up the garden path or clumps of moss protruding from the stonewalls of your holiday home?

We all know how visually unpleasant green algae and some types of moss are to the eye, but how can you control it?

We’ve put together some top tips on how to remove moss and algae at your holiday home, prevent your walls and paths becoming a slippery and ugly eyesore for your visitors, and protect your cottage from potential damage whilst doing it….

Annoying algae

Whether it’s on paths, patios, plant pots or garden furniture/fencing, Algae is one of the most diverse types of plants that can, unfortunately, appear anywhere and everywhere.

Despite playing an essential role in many ecosystems, for many cottage owners across the country it’s often seen as a pest. Not only is it unsightly, green algae can make pathways slippery when wet, creating a potential hazard for your holiday home guests and visitors.

How can you remove moss and algae?

There are two main forms of control, chemical and non chemical.

Chemical: Although many suggest using a hydrochloric acid based bleach or patio cleaners as a quick solution, this method can damage nearby plants and discolour some types of stone.
- The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) suggests using a patio cleaner product based on benzalkonium chloride, acetic acid or nitrilo triacetic acid/trisodium salt. These can be purchased from most DIY stores or garden centres.
Non-chemical: Using a pressure washer is an effective way of instantly removing algae but will need to be carried out regularly in order to prevent it from returning.
- Use an environmentally friendly-based product such as EcoChem, which is available at most DIY/garden centres. The fast-acting product claims to contain no harmful solvents, protects against algae for up to 6 months and will not discolour treated services. Not only is it safe for your holiday home, it’s not harmful to humans or animals either!

Tackling moss

Just like algae, moss can be found in wet, shaded areas such as lawns, cracks and crevices, and on the paths / walls of your holiday home.

Although some types of mosses can add character to a garden, others can be displeasing to the eye.

Moss can be controlled using similar chemical and non-chemical solutions to algae:

Chemical: There are a variety of moss killing products tailored for lawns, including ferrous sulphate based types, or others that are combined with fertiliser. Both of these can be found at most garden or DIY centres, and do ask for advice if you’re unsure which is best suited to your particular lawn.
- To combat moss on hard surfaces such as paths and driveways, the RHS suggest using products that contain acetic acid, fatty acids or pelargonic acid.
Non-chemical: Pressure washing and wire brushing moss prone areas are effective ways of dislodging the plant and preventing re-growth.

If lawn moss is causing a particular issue, try using an organic lawn fertiliser like MO Bacter, which will help to control the plant and feed the lawn at the same time.

Tips for prevention

If you have any damp areas that are prone to algae or moss growth, try to improve drainage in the area by creating ducts along the edges of paths.

Laying a new path/ driveway? Consider permeable paving to prevent surface-run off and only pave areas that are essential. This not only reduces costs, it also prevents moss and algae build up in the future.

Allow the sun and wind to reach any sheltered areas by pruning overhanging plants or bushes.

For more information on how to remove moss and algae growth on decking, take a look at our ‘Essential Decking Maintenance’ blog post:

Essential decking maintenance for holiday homeowners

You may also find the following post on preventing slips and trips of interest:

Limiting the risks of slips and trips in your holiday home

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

June 3, 2016/1 Comment/by admin

Coastal gardens – Inspiration for your holiday cottage by the sea

Holiday Let Maintenance

A combination of strong winds and salt air can create challenging conditions for growing plants in coastal gardens. If you’re wanting to add a dash of colour to brighten a dull plot or even help protect your garden from the elements with a natural windbreak, here’s some coastal gardens inspiration for your holiday cottage by the sea. These tips will ensure your plants enjoy being by the sea as much as you and your guests do…

Windbreaks

If you’re heading to the beach for the day you’ll no doubt pack a picnic and a windbreak. Like us, plants also need shelter from prevailing coastal winds.

Shoreline windbreaks can commonly be seen in the form of wooden posts and fencing, or certain varieties of trees and bushes.

If you’re starting a coastal garden from scratch make sure you create a windbreak or shelterbelt before adding smaller plants that require more protection.

Some experts say the best garden windbreak depends on the design rather than the plants, but here are a few types of bushes and trees that can create a natural barrier…

Italian alder (Alnus cordata) / Grey Alder (Alnus incana) — fast growing tree that can thrive even in dry soils
Sea buckthorn (Hippophae) — deciduous shrub known for its bright orange berries
Beach rose (Rosa rugosa) — scented, summer flowering shrub
Populus robusta — fast growing, narrow, leafy tree

Location

The location of your holiday home will affect how prosperous your plants are by the sea; some will thrive in colder coastal areas whilst others will prosper in milder spots of the UK.

If your holiday cottage is in the north of the country you’ll want trees and plants which can cope with the wind and cooler conditions.

These can include: Alnus glutinosa (common alder), Salix alba (white willow), Salix caprea (willow), Carpinus betulus AGM (hornbeam), Berberis (Barberry), Mahonia, Sambucus (elderberry), Viburnum.

Holiday cottage with coastal gardens further south? You’re likely to benefit from milder temperatures, allowing plants to flourish all year round without being affected by harsh frosts.

A warmer climate brings with it a larger variety of suitable plants.

These include: Dichroa febrifugia, Gazania, Alyssum, Acacia dealbata, Colutea arborescens, Acca sellowiana (pineapple guava), Dodonea viscosa ‘Purpurea’.

Low maintenance

If you live a good distance from your holiday home then you’ll also have to consider which plants are suitable for you to grow and manage. Avoid potted plants and containers, along with fast growing hedges and plants, which will require frequent pruning (and cost if you employ a professional gardener to tender to your garden).

Although your options will be more limited, there are plants that require minimal upkeep, allowing you and your guests to enjoy the pleasure of a garden without any arduous ongoing maintenance.

Consider ground-covering plants such as Hypericum (St John’s Wort), Liriope muscari, and Convallaria majalis Pink (Lily of the Valley).

Rock gardens

Perhaps your holiday cottage only has a small garden, but acts as a natural suntrap. If so, a rock garden is a great way of livening up a quiet corner.

Rock gardens can be as simple or complicated as you want to make them. The best time to construct a rock garden is during autumn and winter, giving you plenty of time before planting them in spring.

Perk up a dull wall

Wanting to add some colour to the exterior walls of your garden or cottage? Brighten them up by planting a climbing plant such as clematis, which is available in a variety of colours.

Not only is it great for camouflaging a dull looking wall or fence, when left to its own devises it will still flourish every year!

Sources:

Don’t forget your garden when insuring your holiday home

For those owners who may have got carried away with landscaping your coastal gardens it’s important to ensure that your holiday home insurance is wide enough to cover additions such as statues, hot tubs, patios, hedges, fences, walls, driveways, paths, terraces and garden furniture. it is also important to ensure that your sums insured are sufficient to cover their reinstatement following an insured peril.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

March 31, 2016/0 Comments/by admin

Tumble dryer safety for holiday lets

Holiday Let Maintenance

The devastating affect of poorly maintained tumble dryers has been making headlines across the UK recently, with figures showing they are now one of the largest causes of fires in the home.

To ensure tumble dryer safety, maintenance is essential and as a holiday homeowner you’ll need to ensure that yours is regularly checked and maintained if you provide one within your holiday cottage.

Here are some helpful tips on how to keep your tumble dryer in tiptop condition and safe for you and your guests.

Type of dryer

There are two main types of tumble dryer, vented and condenser. Vented tumble dryers need to be fitted near an external wall so damp air can be removed via a hose, while condenser dryers collect moisture in a water reservoir.

If you’re considering adding a tumble drier to your holiday home, consult with an expert as to which type would be most suited before being tempted by the best deal.

The considerations you may need to make are;

Vented dryers: Do you have a suitable location within your holiday home? (remember they need to be fitted near an external wall)
Condenser dryers: Who will be able to, and responsible for, emptying the water container on a regular basis?

Maintenance

Although the dryers operate differently, maintenance of the two systems will invariably be the same.

Failure to regularly maintain your drier will affect its performance and the last thing you want are guests complaining because their clothes haven’t dried!

If clothes aren’t drying properly, it is usually a good indicator there is an issue with the machine and these can often be solved relatively easily.

Below are some basic checks that should be made….

Clean the filters

Tumble dryer blockages are often the chief culprit when it comes to the machines overheating, which in the worse case scenario can trigger fires and significant damage.

No matter how busy your holiday home is, the lint filters should actually be emptied after every use to ensure your machine runs at maximum efficiency. Of course, visiting the holiday home this often will be impractical for you or the letting agent, so make a note to empty it during your weekly changeover routine (and build this into your cleaner’s core tasks and checklist).

If guests stay longer, factor it in during a convenient time, for example when changing the bed linen.

For peace of mind, leave a friendly note asking guests to inform you of any problems with the tumble dryer.

Check for snags

Not only do the tumble dryer filters need emptying, they should be checked for any rips or tears and replaced as necessary. Use a brush or vacuum to regularly clean out the filter chute and where applicable the vent hose thoroughly. Pay particular attention to the vent cover on the exterior of your building which can become blocked if not cleaned regularly.

If you’re using a condenser dryer, ensure you empty the water reservoir and clean the condenser regularly. Also check the hose at the back for any excess lint that may have accumulated inside.

NB: The dryer should be cool before removing the filter.

Sensors

Some tumble dryers will have moisture sensors, which control settings such as ‘auto-dry’. In a holiday home this will be particularly useful for guests who want to make the most of their time, rather than waiting for clothes to dry.

It can also reduce your electricity bill!

Experts recommend wiping the drum every few months using stainless steel cleaner or even white vinegar!

NB: Ensure the machine is turned off when carrying out any maintenance!

Talk to an expert!

These are simple steps you can take to reduce the risk of problems with tumble dryers in the holiday home. For specialist advice and regular servicing we recommend you talk to an appliance engineer or consult with the manufacturer. We also recommend that you check the manufacturers website periodically for safety notices and details of recalls.

Guidance for guest staying in your holiday lets

As with your other appliances, it’s always good practice to provide a copy of the tumble dryer operating instructions in your Holiday Home Welcome Folder or information pack, together with a polite note of any house rules, such as, not to be left running whilst out and clean the filter between each use.

If you have found this article on tumble dryer safety for holiday lets useful, you may also find the following posts covering maintenance and health safety of interest:

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

March 11, 2016/0 Comments/by admin

Protecting your holiday home from storm damage

Holiday Let Maintenance

It’s turning into a very British winter; rain has battered the country in recent weeks with an estimated £1.3 billion of storm damage and flood damage already caused to domestic properties and businesses.

If you’ve been lucky enough to escape storm damage to your holiday home, now is the time to increase the chances of that luck continuing by being proactive in taking preventative measures and hopefully avoid a holiday home insurance claim.

We explain a few things you should be doing in order to minimise the risk of your property becoming a victim of the inclement weather…

Flooding – sign up for warnings from the Environment Agency

Flooding can happen quickly, so it’s essential that you’re prepared. The first thing you should do is, find out if you can receive flood warnings. In areas of high flood risk, the Environment Agency offers a service called Floodline Warnings Direct. This is a free, 24 hour service that sends automated flood warnings by telephone, SMS text, email, fax or pager.

If you live away from your holiday home it’s essential you are familiar with the weather conditions, and any potential threat of flooding.

Conduct visual checks of your property

The forestry commission estimates that up to 30 million trees across the UK may have been blown down during last year’s storms.

They may be sturdy; they may even have been there for years and years, but nearby trees are vulnerable and can do significant damage to your holiday home and anything that stands in their way.

Check nearby trees for any damage, and clear away any fallen branches. If you do suspect that a tree is damaged or rotten, ensure you consult a professional tree surgeon.

Visitor parking

If there is a potential issue ensure guests park in an alternative position until the issue can be examined by a tree surgeon / contact a tree surgeon to prune back any loose or dead branches from trees.

Loose slates

Aside from tree branches, falling roof tiles account for the highest number of insurance claims caused by storm damage across the UK.

If there is visible damage to the slates on your holiday home roof you should speak with a professional as soon as possible.

Address Guttering and Drain Pipes

Problems arise when water can no longer escape. Drains and guttering can become obstructed during periods of heavy and prolonged rain so ensure you’ve checked that all of your drains are free from debris (particularly leaves at this time of year) and that water can pass freely through them.

Garden furniture and ornaments

Whilst most people will have stored their garden furniture and trampoline away for the winter (if you haven’t then now is the time to do so!), it may be less obvious to move flowerpots or even garden gnomes if you have them!

Smaller items such as this, along with bird tables and feeders can smash windows if caught by the wind so ensure these are placed somewhere that they can’t do any damage.

Water features and outside taps

We’ve recently seen temperatures as low as -10C across the UK. Empty any water features you have so that any potential ice can’t crack the pipes or containers. Isolate the water supply to outside taps until Spring arrives.

In the garden shed

If your BBQ or any aluminium furniture is stored in a shed ensure that they are covered to protect them from corrosion and ensure the doors and windows are securely fastened to avoid them blowing open.

Do you have guests in your property?

If guests are staying in your holiday property during stormy weather ensure they know who to call should there be any damage. Also take sensible measures such as advising them to use alternative parking if necessary (for example if a nearby tree is causing issues, or slates have fallen from the roof in that area).

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

February 1, 2016/0 Comments/by admin

protecting your holiday home from cold snap

Protecting your holiday home from the cold

Holiday Let Maintenance

As the country braces itself for potentially ice-cold conditions this winter, forgive us for reminding you of the importance of protecting your holiday home from the cold.

We see more burst pipe and escape of water insurance claims than any other. The damage caused can be significant but there are several simple steps holiday homeowners can take to minimise their risk.

Boshers has issued guidance including a number of steps you can take in order to reduce the chances of potential damage

If your holiday home is to be unoccupied during the winter ensure you turn the water off at the stopcock.

If the stopcock is not turned off, and the heating system drained, ensure the temperature throughout your holiday home is kept above 7C.

Ensure you arrange for regular checks to be made on the property during any period in which it isn’t occupied.

Look to lag and insulate pipes, boilers and storage tanks, particularly if exposed to the elements.

Make sure your heating and water systems are regularly checked by a professional and consider installing a leak detection system or automatic stopcock, particularly if you live away from the property.

Refer to your property insurance policy for details on the exact conditions that must be met in order to ensure your cover is not compromised in the event of a claim

Damage caused by burst pipes can be significant

The damage caused by burst pipes can be significant, potentially leaving your home uninhabitable for a considerable amount of time. Being proactive in reacting to potentially severe weather could save you considerable cost and disruption.

For more guidance on property checks during extreme weather and avoiding burst pipes please read:

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For information on how specialist insurance can help support your holiday home business, give us a call on 01237 429444.

* Source Association Of British Insurers (ABI) – Avoid frozen and burst pipe problems this winter warns ABI

January 14, 2016/0 Comments/by admin

Holiday Home Winter Maintenance: 10 checks to make now

Holiday Let Maintenance

We spend all day talking to holiday home and cottage owners across the UK, advising on holiday home insurance needs and dealing with claims. Whilst of course our role is to provide peace of mind by way of a safety net for owners, we also truly believe that prevention is much better than cure. Therefore we offer guidance and advice which from our experience will not only prevent claims before they occur but also help keep you on the right side of the law. Think of us as your holiday letting guardian angel and today we’ll protect and guide you with our tips on holiday home winter maintenance. Here are 10 checks that we recommend you make now:

Arrange your gas safety check

Holiday homeowners must, by law, make sure gas appliances in their properties are maintained and have a gas safety check carried out every 12 months by a registered Gas Safe engineer.

Check the last time you had your gas appliances serviced and gas safety checked.

2. Ensure you can turn the mains water stop tap on and off

Being able to turn the water on and off in your holiday home is an essential part of maintaining it, particularly if your property is due to be unoccupied during the freezing months of mid winter or should a joint or pipe fail at other times. Communicate its location in your Welcome Folder for easy reference of your guests during an emergency.

3. Check for dripping taps and repair if necessary

Whilst the slow drip of a tap may seem relatively innocuous in isolation, when thrown forward over a longer period of time, it could cause significant damage in your holiday home, particularly if the issue is part of a larger problem.

4. Check your loft space lagging is sufficient

At the height of the cold spell in 2010, one of the coldest winters in recent memory, insurers dealt with 3,500 claims for burst pipe damage every day. If your pipes burst they can cause serious damage (£7,000 on average) and leave your holiday home uninhabitable or needing extensive repair.

Check that your loft space, water tank and pipes are sufficiently lagged; remember a pipe can be susceptible to burst at any temperature beneath 6c.

5. Programme your central heating unit

If your holiday home is due to be unoccupied for any length of time, ensure you’ve programmed your central heating to maintain a minimum temperature throughout your holiday home, including behind those kitchen units where pipes are hidden ( of above 7c) and / or that the water supply has been drained and turned off.

6. Review your fire and general risk assessments

In order to be effective your fire and risk assessments should be reviewed on a regular basis, allowing your policies to evolve and minimise the risk to your guests. With the summer season now over, take stock of any incidents that may have occurred and put in place measures to minimise the chances of them happening again.

7. Visually check your electrical appliances

Whilst it isn’t a legal requirement to officially PAT (Portable Appliance Test) your appliances each year, it is good practice. You should at least complete a visual check of all electrical goods in your holiday home for any obvious signs of defect (frayed wires for example). If there are signs of wear and tear have the appliance checked by a qualified electrician, or replace as necessary.

8. Have your chimney swept

Whilst many of us will revel in the idea of a glass of wine or local ale in front of a roaring fire they do come with safety considerations and risks; there are approximately 6,000 chimney fires in England each year.

One of the most frequent causes of chimney fire is infrequent sweeping and cleaning. A chimney should be swept on following frequency (as a minimum):

Smokeless fuel – at least once a year
Wood – quarterly when in use
Oil and gas – once a year

9. Visually check your gutters and roof for damage or loose slates

Aside from tree branches, falling roof tiles account for the highest number of insurance claims caused by storm damage across the UK.

If there is visible damage to the slates on your holiday home roof you should speak with a professional as soon as possible. Don’t forget to clear your gutters, downpipes and drains of leaves and debris that may cause them to block.

10. Check smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

Keep a log of the last time your alarm system was serviced and if battery operated or assisted, replace batteries and also make a note of this together with a schedule for regular testing.

Further Holiday Home Winter Maintenance Guidance

You may also find the following post on preventing slips and trips of interest:

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

October 28, 2015/0 Comments/by admin

Essential Decking Maintenance for Holiday Lets

Holiday Let Maintenance

Adding a timber decking area to your holiday home can bring many benefits to your guests; the perfect setting to make the most of long summer nights, increased space and freedom, and the ideal spot to read a book or enjoy an alfresco meal. These are just a few of the reasons decking areas have become increasingly popular, and equally common for holiday homes across the UK in recent years.

Whilst a decking may seem the ideal place to relax, they can pose a number of potential risks to your guests, and none more so than the potential for guests to slip. We take a look at the steps you can take to minimise the risk of your decking becoming unsafe and ensure your guests are able to safely enjoy your outdoor areas.

Decking Maintenance for Holiday Lets

Many people will at some time have tried pressure washing their decking, which given that timber can be susceptible to a build up of algae and fungi, may on first thought seem like a sensible solution. However, pressure washing of this nature is not ideal for wood as it can destroy the surface of the timber, allowing more water to penetrate and lead to premature rotting. If you do use a pressure washer it’s advised not to hold the nozzle too close to the surface and spray in the direction of the grain whilst keeping the jet moving so as not to expose the timber to excessive wear.

Preventing algae, fungus, moss and lichen growth

In terms of preventing and managing algae, fungus, moss and lichen growth as we move toward the wetter winter months, consider investing in a spray that will treat potential growth. These can be purchased at any number of local DIY stores and it’s advisable to apply them twice a year to prevent unwanted build up of slippery growth. You may be tempted to use a chlorine based bleach, although this is neither friendly to the plants and animals in your garden or to your own health.

Looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative?

If like many of us you are looking for a more environmentally friendly alternative, consider using Oxygen bleach (Sodium Percarbonate). This free flowing powder, common name solid hydrogen peroxide is an environmentally safe bleaching agent which breaks down into oxygen, water and sodium carbonate upon decomposition. When added to warm water it can be used as an effective treatment to kill fungus and algae. This method combined with regular brushing with a stiff broom will keep the unwanted growth at bay.

Whilst sprays will eradicate potential algae growth, the inclement British weather means your decking could quickly resemble more of a slippery ice rink than a place for you to enjoy the summer evenings with your family as soon as the temperature dips and heavens open.

Non-slip decking strips

The grooving in many decking systems is also conducive to the build up of ice during the coldest months of the year, meaning your decking can quickly become treacherous. So, how do you ensure guests aren’t slipping and sliding dangerously as soon as they venture outside, particularly if they’re staying with you this autumn or winter?

Decking strips, whilst affecting the visual ascetic of your decking, are the most effective way of ensuring your decking doesn’t become slippery. They’re able to be fitted in a number of different widths, and will reduce the regularity with which your decking will need to be treated, and cleaned. Indeed new decking timbers are now available with non-slip surfaces set in to the topside of the timber, a serious consideration if you’re thinking of replacing tired decking or installing a new one.

If you’re adverse to the visual of a decking strip there are non-slip paints which can be applied to your decking to increase the level of friction between the decking and the person walking on it. If you do use these sprays, ensure you have procedures in place to regularly inspect, and re-spray as necessary.

Decking Railings and Balustrades

If you have decking outside your holiday home, the chances are that it will be in a raised position. If you don’t already, consider if the addition of a balustrade or railing would be suitable. Seek advice from your installer and or local authority on regulations surrounding decking installation to ensure that you comply with all planning laws and building regulations.

Decking Risk Assessment Procedures

Consider your safety and that of your guests in your risk assessment procedures. Implement a maintenance plan to reduce the risks of slips, trips and falls on your decking as far as possible. Include guidance for the use of the decking in your welcome information folder and continue to monitor the risk.

A quality holiday home insurance policy such as that offered by Boshers for UK holiday lets will include employers and public liability cover to indemnify you against your legal liability to pay damages and legal costs arising out of bodily injury to employees or accidental injury to guests or other visitors to your holiday let. However limiting the risk of slips and trips in your holiday home through prevention is always better than cure! We trust you have found these tips on essential decking maintenance for holiday lets of benefit.

You may also find the following post on preventing slips and trips of interest:

Limiting the risks of slips and trips in your holiday home

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

September 30, 2015/0 Comments/by admin

Cluster Flies – The Unwelcome Holiday Home Guests

Holiday Let Maintenance

With a busy summer season now drawing to a close, an upcoming autumnal chill in the air could mean your holiday let is about to become the winter home of an unwelcome guest; the cluster fly.

What are cluster flies?

Slightly larger than the average household fly and appearing more sluggish in flight than their commonly known counterpart, the cluster fly gains its name from a tendency to cluster together in large numbers as they hibernate through the colder winter months.

They are usually found in rural or semi-rural areas and will look to hibernate in the loft space, unused rooms, lining of windows and a whole host of other nooks and crannies in your holiday home.

When are you likely to get cluster flies?

The life cycle of the cluster fly is weather dependent; during the summer and early autumn months cluster flies are rarely noticed as they live away from buildings, enjoying the warmer temperatures.

In the autumn they will begin entering buildings and holiday cottages to escape the colder weather and survive the winter. As the weather becomes warmer in spring they will again become more active and be seen in larger numbers.

The sheer volume of flies a property can potentially house means they can quickly become a nuisance for guests, with some holiday cottages even becoming uninhabitable.

How can you control and prevent cluster flies in your holiday home?

As cluster flies do not breed indoors, prevention methods focus on restricting their access to your holiday home, and once inside, controlling their presence.

How do you stop cluster flies from gaining access?

Whilst caulking around windows and sealing obvious entry points can help, it is extremely difficult to prevent cluster flies entering your holiday home. Fly proofing a holiday home is never 100% effective and it is likely that in many cottages the flies will find areas or voids that are difficult, if not impossible, for the holiday homeowner to locate.

How can you control cluster fly numbers in your holiday home?

The fastest and most effective way to remove cluster flies from your holiday home is with the use of a fogger. These are fumigation devices that are as equally effective as a smoke bomb, but reduce the level of fire risk as there is no naked flame required to activate the fogger.

If you are using a fogger to remove cluster flies from your holiday home always remember to do this well in advance of your next guest arrival, and ensure you cover your furniture and valuables with sheets in order to catch any dead flies and prevent damage to your property.

Other preventative measures, such as aerosol sprays, can also be used to eliminate cluster flies. If you are using these sorts of measures always ensure the area in which you are spraying is well ventilated, and also pay attention to any other wildlife in the nearby area, as these substances will be toxic.

Once your treatment of cluster flies has been carried out remove all foggers and aerosols from the holiday cottage to ensure they are not used by your guests.

Is damage by pests or vermin covered under my holiday home insurance policy?

Damage caused by insects or vermin is generally excluded as an uninsurable risk under a holiday home insurance policy. The good news is that such infestations can be treated quickly although you may need to call in the services of a pest controller.

How about cancelled bookings, is the loss of income covered?

In certain circumstances where an infestation of pests or vermin causes restrictions on the use of your holiday home deeming it uninhabitable, a loss of income claim will be considered under a Boshers Holiday Home Insurance policy, generally where a pest controller is called in to treat the infestation. Check with your own insurers to see if you are covered.

Preventative holiday home maintenance

Vigilance, including regular inspections of your holiday home and early treatment of infestations such as those of cluster flies will prevent them becoming a problem and spoiling the enjoyment of your holiday home by you and your guests.

Boshers are specialist providers of insurance for holiday homes and cottages. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday letting business please give us a call on 01237 429444.

August 25, 2015/1 Comment/by admin

Inspecting your holiday home following stormy weather

Holiday Let Maintenance

It’s official; last winter was the stormiest period of weather experienced by the UK for at least 20 years. No fewer than twelve storms brought with them strong winds and heavy rainfall, battering holiday homes across England, Wales and Scotland well into February last year.

The statistics are incredible:

600,000 homes were without power.
7,000 properties hit by flooding.
12,000 homes suffered structural damage.
600km of railway line was forced to close.

So what have we learnt and are we ready to react to the potential damage they cause this time round?

Tips for inspecting your holiday home following stormy weather

Stay Vigilant

Whilst it is important to be proactive prior to storms, it is equally vital to stay vigilant after they have passed. Here’s our guide to the areas of your holiday home you should be keeping an eye on once the rain and winds subside.

Nearby Trees and Plants

The forestry commission estimates that up to 30 million trees across the UK may have been blown down during last year’s storms.

They may be sturdy; they may even have been there for years and years, but nearby trees are vulnerable and can do significant damage to your holiday home and anything that stands in their way.

After a heavy storm make visual checks of all of the trees surrounding your property. Are there any signs of defects? Are there branches that have been damaged and should be removed?

If there are structural issues with a tree near your holiday home ensure you call in a professional tree surgeon to examine the problem and never attempt to climb the tree in order to address any potential issues.

Slipping Slates

Aside from tree branches, falling roof tiles account for the highest number of insurance claims caused by storm damage across the UK.

If there is visible damage to the slates on your holiday home roof you should speak with a professional as soon as possible.

As with tree damage, you should never attempt to climb onto the roof of your holiday home or to make repairs yourself.

Checking drains, guttering and drainpipes

Last winter was the wettest since 1910, with more days of rain than any winter since 1961. The trend of wetter and warmer winters is one that is continuing to develop over recent years; despite heavy rainfall the winter of 2014 was 1.5C above average seasonal temperatures.

The biggest issue with storm water is that it has to have somewhere to go. The result when it doesn’t is flooding and damage to your holiday home.

With this in mind it is vital that drains are kept clear from debris and other blockages. Make sure that after periods of rain all guttering, downpipes and drainage is clear and in good working order.

If you notice a blockage during heavy rain ensure the issue is addressed before it becomes a potentially larger and more damaging issue.

Keep your garden furniture safe for the summer

Garden furniture, BBQs and trampolines certainly weren’t designed to fly but are often the first thing to take off when the storm hits.

Items such as these should either be firmly secured, or better, dismantled for winter. If yours are currently out in the garden we encourage you to take just a few minutes and stow them safely indoors, ready for your guests to enjoy in the summer.

Stay Safe

The repercussions of storm damage can be severe, devastating and sometimes fatal. When taking action please do always think of safety first, and where appropriate seek the advice of a professional. Report storm damage to your holiday home insurance provider as soon as it’s discovered, they’ll give you advice to help mitigate your losses and get the property up and running again for holiday letting as soon as possible.

You may also find the following posts of interest:

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

January 31, 2015/0 Comments/by admin

selcting a contractor for your holiday home

Your responsibilities when employing contractors to work on your holiday home

Holiday Let Maintenance

Your responsibilities when employing contractors to work on your holiday home

If you’re having work carried out or renovations made to your holiday home that require builders to be on site, these alterations will bring with them a unique set of risks and considerations for your property and the contents within it.

Are you aware of your own obligations and your responsibilities when employing contractors to work on your holiday home property, both from a safety and an insurance perspective?

What are your responsibilities as a holiday homeowner?

As the owner of the property you have an obligation to ensure that any contractor working on your holiday home is competent, suitably trained to carry out the work they are undertaking and will work with due regard for the safety of those around them.

A key element of this process is selecting a skilled professional to undertake the work and having a process in place that ensures you end up using the most appropriate people for the job.

If you’re unsure of how to establish the credentials of a builder, or where you can find accredited tradesmen, there is more information on this and the steps you should take when selecting a building contractor to work on your holiday home in our earlier blog post here.

What do you need to do with your insurance?

If you’re undertaking building work on your holiday home you may need to alter your insurance surrounding the structure of your property, the contents within it, along with all unfixed materials and goods other than builders’ plant, tools and other equipment.

Your insurer will need to be made aware of any major works carried out on your holiday home, which includes when it undergoes major structural alterations or when external scaffolding is to be used.

If you’re in doubt as to whether or not you need to inform us about your building works we suggest you give one of our specialist holiday home insurance advisers a call and we’ll be able to talk you through what we need to know.

Have you checked your builder’s insurance?

You should ensure that your contractor has Public Liability (Third Party) and Employer’s Liability insurance. The cover of both of these should be sufficient to cover the scale and scope of the work they are undertaking for you and it is reasonable to ask to see their current valid Certificate of Insurance.

Inspecting the site on a regular basis

Safety risks can quickly emerge on an active building site so it’s vital that processes are in place to regularly monitor the site and address any issues before they can cause any potential harm.

Someone competent in identifying any potential risks should inspect your site at the end of each day. These site inspections should be logged, along with any issues raised and addressed.

These daily inspections should be complimented by ad hoc inspections of works and safety conditions to ensure compliance at all times.

Have you told your neighbours?

For those living a good distance from their holiday home it can often be prudent to inform those living near the property of any impending building works and potential disruption as a result. Proactive management and communication in this area can often mitigate potential conflict or animosity down the line.

Our quick checklist for employing contractors:

Put in place procedures to ensure you select skilled tradesmen capable of completing the work you need.

If in doubt, contact your insurer to advise of the work you will be carrying out and any insurance alterations you need to make as a result.

Check that your builder has the necessary Public Liability and Employer Liability insurances.

Ensure procedures are in place to inspect the site on a regular basis.

Consider informing neighbours of any works you are undertaking.

Boshers offer specialist holiday home insurance to owners across the UK. For more information on how a specialist insurer can help and support your holiday home business, please give us a call on 01237 429444.

November 5, 2014/0 Comments/by admin