Book a pest control treatment for rats
There is no charge for treatments for rats in gardens but treatments for rats in properties are now chargeable, however: -
Please be aware that if you book a treatment for rats in gardens and the infestation is actually rats in properties or mice in properties, no treatment will be undertaken by the pest control officer and you will be asked to book another appointment and make payment for a rats in gardens treatment or mice treatment. Please refer to our web pages as these can help you identify the difference between rats and mice.
The council offers free treatment for infestations of rats in gardens, however there is a charge if the infestation is in an occupied (not empty) home in Sandwell. If you would prefer, you can approach an independent pest control company.
We are unable to provide a treatment to properties that are above or in the same block as food shops, fast food outlets or restaurants.
The treatment is for your property only we don’t cold call on neighboring properties, if the pest control officer believes the source is coming from another property letters will be sent alerting them to the problem.
Repairs or proofing are the responsibility of the owner or landlord failure to do so may see the problem reoccurring.
Although there are two types of rats in this country, the most common rat is the brown rat - also known as the common rat.
Adults can weigh up to 500 grams and grow up to 40cm long. Typically, the common rat is brownish grey on the back and grey underneath, but the colour does vary.
They can be found anywhere that offers suitable conditions, which can also include drains and sewers. They will burrow into hedgerows, compost heaps and under garden sheds, where they will make nests. If they get into houses they can be found in the roof space, under floors and inside cavity walls. Rats are mainly active at night but can be seen during the day searching for food.
The first indications of a problem are likely to be damage to the property, droppings (oval in shape and half to three quarters of an inch in length) and holes appearing in the ground.
What you should do
If you think you have a rat problem you will need professional help to control them as they breed rapidly. The following simple rules can help to minimise the risk of an infestation:
- Do not leave excess food waste outside overnight and place all household rubbish in the dustbin keeping the lid shut.
- Remove any potential food (i.e. bird food), water sources and rubbish from the garden.
- Make sure that any broken drains, sewer pipes or covers are replaced or repaired as soon as possible.
- Repair all holes in brickwork - air vents and gaps under doors should be reduced in size to 6mm or less.
- Ideally sheds should be placed on concrete blocks or be flush to the ground.