Watford Borough Council

Council pest control officers deal with pests that are harmful to public health and well being in homes and businesses.

Occupiers themselves can take steps to prevent pests infesting their properties.

Rodents (rats and mice etc.) can be particularly unsettling due to their possible transmission of diseases. The Council will deal with these pests at no charge to households.   Rats and mice are a major health hazard. They are responsible for the spread of many diseases, some of which can be fatal to humans, such as Weils disease and salmonella. Through their gnawing habit they can cause structural damage to wood work, pipes, cables and household items.

The Council also treats some other pests:

• Pharoahs ants
• Wasps (in partnership with Dacorum Borough Council)
• Fleas
• Bedbugs
• Cockroaches

Pest control services can be arranged by telephoning during normal working hours - 01923 226400, where our staff will provide advice and make an appointment for treatment if you wish. Alternatively you can contact us by email.

Officers call by prior appointment and apply safe and effective treatments. If for any reason the problem persists they will return and make every effort to ensure the pest is eradicated.

Charges

Follow the link below to see the current charges. Concessionary rate applies to people receiving:

• Income support
• Invalidity benefit
• Job seeker's allowance
• Unemployment benefit

What can I do to prevent rodent infestation?

• Ensure that refuse bin areas are kept clean and any spillage of food material is cleaned up promptly and thoroughly
• Where communal bin areas are provided, residents should take responsibility for ensuring refuse is stored correctly
• Ensure your premises are kept in good repair. Seal any gaps around doors and holes wherever possible. Clear away rubbish, debris and any overgrown vegetation

How do I get rid of a rodent infestation?

To get rid of rodents you may need professional help. They can be difficult to control due to their ability to burrow, climb and jump and also due to the speed that they breed.

• Mechanical traps can be used but rodents can be wary of them and it is not easy to achieve full control by this method
• Ultrasonic boxes can be used as a deterrent, however rodents become accustomed to the sound and they will eventually ignore it
• The most consistent and effective rodent control is by poison baits
• Treatment for rats can be arranged by the Council's Customer Service Centre, contactable on 01923 226400

If you would like more detailed advice about deterring rats call 01923 226400 and ask to speak to one of Environmental Health's Animal Control Officers.