Why you should be checking your drains!
Updated: Oct 17
With rat infestations on the rise in domestic properties and some pest professionals reporting that over 60% of their work is rat related, defective drains have been coming under scrutiny in the pest control industry.
If you’ve got a rat problem in your home or business, your pest controller should be looking for the source of the problem as well as treating it. If the source of the problem isn’t identified and resolved, then rest assured you rat problem is likely to recur.
Responsible pest controllers will always look for entry points which includes lifting manhole covers and checking for drain defects. And, sometimes, it may be necessary for pest controllers to recommend a camera survey.
If rats are accessing properties via the drains, some unscrupulous pest controllers may see this as a lucrative long-term contract and keep laying bait. This is not something we advocate for a number of reasons, including:
Long term baiting isn’t a solution to a rodent problem;
Frequent baiting carries risk to non-target species and increases rodenticide resistance; and,
Ongoing baiting Is unnecessary and expensive – hardly a customer centric approach!
For those who say that baiting in sewers and drains is not generally going to be accessible to non-target species we say check the latest UK Rodenticide Stewardship regime annual report which points out that questions are being asked about the level of rodenticide found in the aquatic environment.
Other countries have already introduced control measures to address concerns. For example, in Germany, from 2020 rodenticides are only permitted if they are protected from coming into contact with water.
Defects in drains can cause access for rats allowing them to enter cavity walls and roof space. Rats will also happily chew their way through plastic drain pipes.
But there’s no need to panic because there are some simple steps homeowners and landlords can take to protect their properties, for example, carrying out regular checks of their properties including drainage systems, sewers and septic tanks.
Carrying out regular maintenance work, for example, fixing blocked drains
And, if you have got a problem with your drains then don’t despair because there are things that can be done. A simple solution might be for your pest controller to fit a rat blocker within an external manhole allowing the rats to travel away from the property but not return. These often resolve the problem.
Before fitting a rat blocker, it's important to assess the drainage system and check that the device is suitable. We explain these checks in our Rat Drain Blocker Installation Process guide.
As with anything pest related, you should always consult a fully qualified, professional pest controller. Pests carry diseases and it is important that you protect yourself, particularly if you are dealing with a drain problem.
You can reach us on 01981 540088 and talk to our BPCA pest control technicians directly or email us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk
We’re a local run family pest control business serving Herefordshire and Worcestershire. We cover both counties, all HR and WR postcodes, find your location in the areas we cover.
Contact us today for all your rat and rodent problems, we eradicate all pests, from ants to woodworm, we have it covered by our expert award-winning BPCA-accredited pest technicians who live in both counties to provide fast, affordable pest control services.
