Pest control services

Please note that East Hampshire District Council no longer provides a pest control service.

Preventing rats and mice

The best way to avoid a rodent problem is to remove food, water and shelter that attract rats and mice. You can help reduce the risk of rodents by:

  • Removing bird food when it is not being used. Bird feeders are a common food source for rats and mice.
  • Keeping chicken feed secure and only putting out what is needed.
  • Raising chicken coops off the ground where possible.
  • Keeping food waste inside bins with lids firmly closed.
  • Making sure compost bins or heaps are secure.
  • Keeping gardens tidy and free from clutter.
  • Encouraging neighbours to take the same precautions.
  • Regularly cleaning kitchens, especially under appliances where food crumbs can collect.
  • Checking cupboards for spilled food and damaged packets.

Preventing rodents from entering your home

Rats and mice can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps.

  • A rat only needs an opening about the size of a 50p coin.
  • A mouse can fit through a gap as small as 5mm.

Check your property for:

  • Holes around pipework, particularly near kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Damaged air bricks.
  • Unused tumble dryer vents.
  • Gaps where climbing plants or vegetation reach the house.
  • Gaps around garage doors.
  • Openings around drains, inspection chambers or manhole covers.
  • Unprotected downpipes, where leaf guards may help prevent access.

Keeping vegetation trimmed back from walls and roofs can also reduce opportunities for rodents to enter your home.

Using traps

Traps can be an effective way to control rats and mice when used alongside good housekeeping and pest-proofing measures.

Always:

  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions.
  • Keep traps away from children and pets.
  • Remove other food sources where possible.

Rats

Peanut butter can be an effective bait for rat traps.

Place traps along routes where rats regularly travel and secure them so they cannot be dragged away. If traps are used outdoors, they should be protected to prevent harm to other animals.

Mice

Mouse traps can also be baited with peanut butter and should be placed indoors where mouse activity has been seen.

Using rodenticides

Rodent poison can be effective but should be used with care.

Always:

  • Follow the instructions provided with the product.
  • Keep products away from children, pets and wildlife.
  • Only use legal and approved products.

Reducing food and water sources

Removing access to food and water can make your property much less attractive to rodents.

Water sources

Check for:

  • Leaking taps
  • Damaged gutters
  • Faulty drains
  • Roof leaks

Food sources

Store food:

  • Off the floor where possible.
  • In sealed containers.
  • In clean, dry storage areas.

Regularly inspect food storage areas for signs of damage or contamination.

Still having problems?

If you need professional treatment for rats, mice or other pests, please visit the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) website to find a qualified pest control contractor.

If you have taken the steps above and believe the rodent activity is coming from another property or is creating a public health concern, please contact our Customer Services team on: 01730 266551.