| Q. | Why is it my responsibility and not the Council's? |
| A. | Environmental Health do not have a legal obligation to provide a pest control service. However, under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, it is the occupiers responsibility to keep their land free from vermin. |
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| Q. | They are not on my land; they are coming from next door. |
| A. | An officer from Environmental Health and Housing Services may visit to establish the source of the infestation and appropriate action will be taken. |
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| Q. | Can I treat myself if I buy the poison? |
| A. | Yes, you can. Bait can be purchased from reputable garden centres. It is essential that you follow the instructions when using the produce. Serious infestation may still require professional help to eradicate the problem completely. |
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| Q. | It is a health risk, therefore the Council must have an obligation to treat. |
| A. | Local Authorities do not have a legal obligation to treat properties. However, owners and occupiers do have an obligation to keep their own land free from rodents and St Edmundsbury Borough Council can take formal action to ensure other properties are kept free from rodents. |
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| Q. | How do I dispose of dead rats or mice? |
| A. | If you treat them yourself then they should be bagged and disposed of in the black bin. Invariably rats and mice return to their nests to die and if these nests are in warm areas of houses and buildings an offensive odour may become apparent, which can last up to 14 days. |
