Your legal duty
Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, your council can serve a notice on the owner or occupier of land requiring them to take reasonable steps, within a set time, to destroy rats or mice on the land or keep it free of them (Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, s4).
What pest controllers do
- Surveys to find how pests get in and where they're nesting.
- Trapping and baiting for rats and mice.
- Proofing: sealing gaps, fitting mesh and door strips.
- Wasp nest treatment.
- Mole control in lawns and paddocks.
Protected species
Not every animal in your roof is a pest. In England, Natural England says offences involving bats and their roosts can mean up to 6 months in prison or an unlimited fine (Natural England). A good pest controller will check before treating a roof space.
Prevention
- Store feed and bird seed in sealed metal bins.
- Keep log piles and compost away from the house walls.
- Fix damaged air bricks, vents and drain covers.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to deal with rats on my land?
Yes. Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, councils can require owners or occupiers to take reasonable steps to destroy rats and mice or keep land free of them.
Can a pest controller remove bats?
No. Bats and their roosts are protected. If you think you have bats, contact your nature conservation body for advice.
How do I stop rats getting into outbuildings?
Remove food sources, store feed in sealed bins and have gaps proofed. A pest controller can survey entry points.