Private property
If pests are inside your property or coming from a neighbouring property, you can get advice from the Public Protection Partnership.
Rats on public land
Rats are common in urban and semi-natural environments. They are usually attracted to places where food and shelter are easy to find.
The council does not routinely use rodenticides or traps in open public spaces or naturalised areas. This is because they can pose risks to wildlife, pets and the wider environment.
In exceptional circumstances, targeted control may be considered where there is a clear risk to public health. However, our main approach is to remove the things that attract rodents in the first place.
What you can do
Everyone has a role in preventing pest problems. Property owners and occupiers are responsible for managing conditions that might attract rodents.
To help prevent pests, you can:
- keep bin lids fully closed
- use the weekly food waste collection service and make sure bins are secured
- avoid putting food waste in your refuse bin
- avoid putting food waste in public litter bins
- store pet food and bird seed in sealed, rodent-proof containers
- avoid leaving food or scraps on the ground
- block access points under sheds, decking, fences and other structures
- keep gardens tidy and compost properly managed
- talk to your neighbours about doing the same
Maintaining your boundary
Property owners are responsible for boundary structures like fences, walls and hedges. This includes where these border public land.
To help stop rodents you can:
- keep the outward facing side of boundaries clear
- cut back vegetation growing through or against fences and walls, even when it originates from public land
- repair gaps or damage quickly to stop rodents getting in
What the council will do
Where appropriate, the council may take limited action. This includes:
- reviewing site conditions
- reporting fly tipping to enforcement
- addressing the misuse of litter bins
Baiting and the law
Rodenticide use is controlled to protect wildlife and the environment. Regulations limit where and how it can be used.
Baiting is most effective in and around buildings where it can be securely placed and monitored. It is much more difficult to safely use bait on public land and open spaces. For this reason, we do not do routine baiting on public open space.
Learn more about controlling rats on the British Pest Control Association website.