Plants animals and wildlife

Rats

Rats can be found almost anywhere. They are particularly associated with sewers, rubbish and overgrown areas. They will quickly locate neglected areas, and therefore can often be found in wasteland, farmland and overgrown gardens. Rats also live in the sewers, and although there is a routine treatment programme, it is difficult to prevent them coming and going through damaged pipes. They spread disease and cause damage to buildings.

Members of the public can take sensible precautions to discourage rats. Properties are most vulnerable if they adjoin waste land, or the countryside or if nearby sewers are defective. You should:

¨ Keep grass mown.
¨ Clear overgrown areas.
¨   Manage compost heaps.
¨   Clear any rubbish regularly.
¨   Ensure sewer pipework, manholes etc. are intact and well-maintained.
¨ Keep animal food in rodent-proof containers.
¨ Remove pet animal waste regularly.
¨   Put household refuse straight into a bin.

If rats are found in a residential premises, the Council can carry out treatment. This will involve identifying the cause of the infestation, and the areas affected. The Pest Control Officer will lay baits in special containers and in locations which are not accessible to children or pets. For safety reasons, the bait used is a low-dose formulation, and therefore the rats will need to be encouraged to eat lots of it. Total eradication may therefore take some time, and the Pest Control Officer may need to make several visits. You will be provided with information relating to the bait, and safety measures you should follow. There is no charge for this service.

The Council does not offer a service for the destruction of rats in commercial premises. A private pest control company should be used.

The Pest Control Officer may identify that the cause of the infestation is due to a problem with the property – for example, accumulations of rubbish, or defective drainage. If this is the case the Council will use its statutory powers to require the owner or occupier to remedy the situation.

SERVICES A-Z

Pest Control

Pests and Pest Control
Animals
Squirrels
Pigeons
Mice
Wasps and Bees
Insects
Cockroaches