Pest control

To report pest issues please complete the online form.

Rats

Identify the problem

Visible signs of a rat infestation are burrows, runs and fresh droppings. These give an indication of the size and extent of the problem. Look for these signs especially in ‘undisturbed’ areas, near walls, bin areas, under sheds, wood piles and compost heaps.

rat

Remove the attraction

Protect or remove food sources such as bins or pet food, remove shelter, reduce weed cover, remove any standing water and deny access to rats by rat-proofing buildings. Check door frames, vents and pipe-work. Small rats can squeeze through cracks as small as a 5p coin.

Carry out trapping or baiting

The best way is to use suitably qualified, professional pest controller. Maidstone Borough Council’s pest controller can be found on 01622 602114 or look on the internet or in the phone book. If you have chosen to bait, it is important to plan how you intend to use the bait to eradicate the problem.

Baiting points are effective when placed between a former food source and the rat nest or on identified rat runs. Rats are naturally cautious, so place baiting containers empty for a period of 3-7 days before baiting begins. Consult the manufacturers’ guidance on the use of the product.

Bait should be protected by a natural cover or by using a bait box, which protects against access by other animals and allows easy access for maintenance. Open trays can be used inside buildings, but only where inaccessible to other animals. Bait placed in rat holes should be placed as deep as possible, with the entrance lightly blocked. Trapping should be considered as an alternative to the use of bait.

Has it been successful?

Rats die on average 5-7 days after eating a lethal dose of poison and most will die underground in their nests. After two weeks it should be clear if baiting has been successful. Signs such as less bait eaten, fewer bait points visited, less visible signs and dead rats will indicate the level of success.

To minimise the risk to other wildlife, search regularly for rodent bodies and dispose of appropriately. After the infestation is removed, ensure all bait is disposed of carefully and correctly. Monitor the area regularly to ensure the problem does not return.

Avoiding re-infestation

After treatment, it is important to take time to avoid a re-infestation by doing the following things:

rat-proof buildings
repair damaged drains
remove food for pets and birds at night, and
minimise during the day
store rubbish in suitable bins, with lids fully closed
ensure any pet food substances are placed in ratproof
containers
cut back any rough vegetation
prevent rubbish accumulating
remove any shelter where possible

Control checklist

bait or trap over as short a time as possible
avoid permanent baiting
remove dead rats and uneaten bait regularly
prevent re-infestation
handle poison with care and follow the manufacturer’s instructions

Pigeons

Help us control wild pigeons

An adult pigeon is approximately 30cm in length and weighs an average of 300g.
The colours and markings are extremely varied and although some look dull and scraggy, others can be beautifully coloured.
Pigeons roost on buildings, ledges, under bridges as well as in trees or in derelict or deserted buildings, where they can obtain shelter to enable them to build nests and breed.

pigeon

Lifestyle

Pigeons may live for as long as 13 years and can breed throughout the year, providing they have a plentiful supply of food.
They may produce as many as nine broods in one year. These usually consist of two white eggs that hatch into fledglings, known as squabs.
The most important factor in determining the size of pigeon populations is food.
Their food preference is grain or seed, but they also scavenge and eat whatever they can find, including food placed on bird tables and discarded scraps from bins and food outlets.

Damage

Pigeon droppings are not only unsightly but, because of their acidity, can cause damage to buildings and other structures.
Nesting material, droppings, feathers and dead pigeons can block gutters and air vents and contaminate water tanks.

Public Health

Pigeons carry diseases, some of which can be passed onto humans if droppings contaminate food.
For this reason, special care must be taken to ensure that they do not colonise areas in the vicinity of food premises.
They also carry mites and contaminated dust may cause respiratory problems.
Pavements, ladders and fire escapes covered in droppings are often slippery, especially after rain, which may lead to accidents.

Control

Removing the pigeon population is not usually considered to be effective because other pigeons quickly take their place especially if the conditions that initially attracted pigeons to the site remain. The most effective form of control is to remove as much of their food source as possible. Members of the public should be discouraged from feeding pigeons and steps should be taken to reduce/remove the availability of other food sources.

It is important that buildings, such as warehouses are looked at to ensure that pigeons are unable to gain access. Many buildings have ledges and other areas which provide opportunities for roosting.

There are a number of bird control techniques which can be carried out by pest control contractors with various degrees of success. These mainly involve treating surfaces of buildings and other structures to prevent or discourage roosting. The success of these methods is very much dependant on the thoroughness of the treatment. Pigeons are not easily discouraged and are extremely persistent in their efforts to find places to roost. Pigeon spikes, netting, posts, wire and scarers are a few of the pigeon pest solutions available on the market, for the humane and effective control of these pest birds.

Pest Control Services

The council can offer the provision of pest control treatments within two working days or as agreed with you.

Below are the current charges for the treatments.

Description	Charge (£) Including VAT	Comments
Hourly charge for treatments carried out on industrial and commercial properties	63.50	N/A
For treatments outside of normal office hours	96.00	N/A
Charge per visit for the treatment of wasps nests carried out on domestic properties	45.50	Per visit charge
Additional nests treatment	8.00	Additional nests treated on same visit
Charge per visit for the treatment of rat and mouse nests carried out on domestic premises	22.50(45.00)	Per visit charge (minimum of two visits)
Minimum charge for the treatment of ants carried out on domestic premises	23.50	Per visit charge
Minimum charge (including up to six rooms) for the treatment of fleas, bedbugs and other household pests carried out on a domestic premises	55.00	Subsequent minimum charge will apply for further treatments after a period of 14 days has elapsed
For each additional room (up to four rooms additional)	10.00	As above
Documentation charge added to charges above where it is necessary to send an invoice for payment.	29.50	N/A