Pest control

Are bees and bats pests?

Bees are generally beneficial in the garden. We try not to treat bees unless they pose a risk to householders (e.g. - a swarm in a house or chimney). Beekeepers will take honeybees away. Bats are a protected species. If you discover a bat, or suspect you have a bat roost, you must not harm them.

Are your poisons safe?

All the poisons we use are approved by the Health and Safety Executive. Wherever possible we try to use powder, sprays or pellets. Insects have a different body system than humans and their poisons should generally pose little risk to us. Rats and mice are mammals and therefore what kills them might also kill pets, and us, if eaten in large enough quantities. Rats and mice are much smaller than us and so we don't leave enough poison about to pose much of a risk to us. We will check if you have pets and try to leave any poison where your pets can't get at it. We also come back after a reasonable period to remove rat/mice poison.

Can I treat a pest infestation myself?

Yes, in some instances, you can treat pest infestations yourself. Rodents can be caught using a trap available from most hardware stores. These can be quite successful where small numbers are involved. In cases involving larger numbers, professional treatment is advisable. For wasps nests, hardware stores can supply 'Wasp Nest Killer' - a puffer pack of powder which is sprayed liberally around the entrance to the nest. This is best done later in the evening when cooler conditions generally mean the wasps are less active and are inside the nest. In circumstances where nests are difficult to reach, professional assistance is advised.

Can the council help me get rid of foxes?

As foxes are not known to pose any significant threat to public health, it is not Council policy to control them in any way, so please do not contact the Council's Pest Control Officers.

Do I have to be there when you carry out the pest control treatment?

If the problem is outside, for instance a wasp's nest in the back garden, you do not have to be there. For security and insurance reasons we will not go into a house without the householder, or their representative, being present.

Does the Council provide powder to get rid of ants?

No, the Council does not provide ant powder. You can purchase insect powder from hardware stores, garden centres and so on.

How long does the pest control treatment take?

It depends. One treatment is usually enough for most insects. Insect treatments, including wasps, can be as quick as a few minutes. For rats and mice it often take a while to find where they might be coming from and to lay poison trays. A second visit will sometimes be made to check whether the poison has been eaten. We will also visit again, after reasonable time has passed, to remove the poison.

What are the most frequently-treated household pests?

Rats, mice and wasps are the most commonly treated household pests.

Whose responsibility is it to get rid of rats or mice from my property?

If you have an infestation it is your responsibility to deal with it. You can either treat them yourself, employ a contractor or the Council can provide a treatment, but there will be a charge.

Will the council help me get rid of rabbits, squirrels, seagulls, or other birds?

No, the council will not help you get rid of rabbits, squirrels, seagulls or other birds. If you contact a private pest control contractor, they may be able to help.