Home insurance customers have been urged to ensure that they clean their house thoroughly before leaving it unoccupied. The British Insurance Brokers’ Association has suggested that households should consider seeking professional help, as any scraps of food left may attract mice and rats.

The warning comes as at a time when recession has left many Britons feeling the pinch. The credit crunch has also meant that in many households, the first monthly payment to go for 31% would be essential outgoings such as loan repayments, credit card bills and mortgage payments.

BIBA’s head of technical services Peter Staddon said that vermin can cause property owners numerous problems. He stated: “If they come in they can start chewing up wires and that damage may not be covered under an insurance contract.”

According to BIBA, homeowners who are planning to leave a house deserted for a significant period of time should consider the potential problems that may arise.

Experts say that failing to thoroughly clean a house could affect the value of a house and its home insurance cover particularly if rats and mice get in and damage the property. Homeowners who are not sure precisely what they are covered for should contact their insurer.