Advice for dealing with rats
If you become aware of an issue with rats in your garden, or in the area surrounding your property, there are some steps which you can take in order to address the issue and help prevent any further action being required.
- obtain and use bait boxes, and bait, (available online or at any hardware store) and monitor them regularly; these are pet and child safe and the best method of destroying pests
- remove all loose waste and food products from your garden and sheds, this includes animal food, bird seed, tree and bush fruits, and food put out for wildlife; this prevents pests from being encouraged to your garden or property
- stop feeding birds for approximately 6 weeks; this stops the pests from being able to feed easily
- ensure all household waste is bagged securely and stored in a closed, lidded grey bin; this prevents the pests from being attracted to the food - rats will chew through bins to get to food they can smell
- ensure there is no food waste in your recycling boxes, this will involve rinsing your recycling items before putting them in the box
- check your drains are adequately covered to stop pests accessing your property through the drains
- inspect your garden, in particular compost bins, decking or sheds, for signs of pest activity, this would include ratholes or burrows and droppings
Rats and Mice – Infestation
The council do not offer a pest control service.
The council have legal powers to ensure that our area is free from rats and mice, and if necessary can serve a notice on a landowner or occupier requiring steps to address the problem.
If you have a problem with rats or mice that are coming from someone else's land or property we may be able to take action using our legal powers.
If the problem is on another person’s land it can be reported to the Neighbourhood Enforcement Team on telephone: 01904 551555 or email: neo@york.gov.uk.
However, if the problem is occurring within another person’s property, contact the Healthy and Sustainable Homes team on telephone: 01904 552300 or email: housing.standards@york.gov.uk.
If you're a council tenant, in most circumstances you will be responsible for your own pest control arrangements. For further advice or clarification contact your Housing Management Officer. You can find details of how to contact your HMO via your Open Housing account.