Laws and Regulations
We have a duty under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to ensure that, so far as it is practicable, the area is kept free of rats and mice.
We can serve notice upon the owners or occupiers of infested land requiring that they get rid of any infestation.
Can I complain to the Council about rats or mice?
If you have rats on your own property you should contact a local pest controller, or deal with the matter yourself as advised on the relevant page of this guide.
If you have a neighbour who is not dealing with an infestation we may be able to investigate further.
Before reporting pests on a neighbouring property consider the following:
- Do not report single sightings of mice or rats. Mice and rats are a natural part of the environment and common across the country.
- We only deal with complaints related to infestations where a large number of the rodents are nesting on a premises.
- Where land is overgrown, it does not always mean it is harbouring rats or mice.
- Any environment that meets their basic needs can be the root of an infestation, including tidy gardens, sheds, and compost heaps.
- Check your own property thoroughly before reporting a neighbouring property!
- Search spaces like lofts, basements and under floors. Look for nests, rat runs and any small gaps or holes in hedges, fences or between properties.
- Consider talking to your neighbours where possible. They may already be dealing with the pest problem, or have more information about it.
- If your neighbour is a tenant, you could report the issue directly to their landlord.
- Where possible neighbours should try to work together to resolve pest problems, there should be no need to involve the council.
Report a pest problem on a neighbouring property
If you do need to report a neighbouring property about pests, you must include the following in your report:
- When did the problem begin?
- Where have you seen rats or mice?
- What type of rodent? (Rat or mouse, please describe)
- How many times have you seen them since?
- How many did you see at each sighting?
- Have you checked your own garden and property for nests?
- Have you spoken with your neighbours?
- Are you or your neighbours undertaking your own pest control?
- Have you or your neighbours hired a contractor?
- Why do you think there is problem on the land that you are reporting?
- Has there been a previous problem? What was the outcome?