Leeds City Council have been working hard to reduce the district’s rat population which has resulted in a gradual decrease in complaints of 35%. This has defied national trends as a recent survey showed the Yorkshire region as having an increase of 30%.
Part of this success is due to partnerships with key organisations which help manage rat populations and control numbers. Using the principle prevention is better than cure we aim to work with residents so we can make a lasting sustainable improvement to public health, well being and the environment.
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How will Leeds City Council do this?
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Supporting residents to deal with rats inside the home. We will therefore provide a free treatment inside properties for owner occupiers and also give free advice on proofing and prevention measures. Where properties are rented the landlord will be required to pay for the service.
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Using information from reported cases to concentrate resources, therefore people should still report rat sightings.
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We will carry out surveys and coordinated area treatments.
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Council tenants should contact 0113 2224406 to report rats anywhere in or on their land
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Rat Pack – a self help guide for rats outside is available to download on this page
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Environmental Action Teams will deal with rats and refuse in gardens taking enforcement action if appropriate
Rats are part of the natural environment and although unlike other wildlife they are considered a public health pest we should not be too alarmed when we see them. Rats are constantly searching for a place to live and a food source, they are very transient – constantly travelling through gardens and urban areas for suitable locations to live.
As a result a rat may be sighted in your garden on one occasion, but this does not necessarily mean that you have a problem. However, if you are seeing many rats on a regular (daily) basis you will have an established infestation.
Control of rats
Using rodenticide (poison) is not an ideal solution. Whilst a treatment will clear the rats present it may also affect any other wildlife present i.e. wild birds, field mice, voles and hedgehogs. There is also the risk of access by domestic pets, no matter what precautions have been taken to make it secure and prevent this.
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Using a rat poison should be a last resort and should be avoided when at all possible.
If rats are attracted into a garden and establish themselves close to the house, it is possible for them to access the property, through an access gap/ hole less than 25 mm - they can also jump 3 metres if necessary!
When repairs are not carried out you are far more likely to be affected by repeat rodent infestations indoors, as rodents are constantly seeking out suitable refuge – particularly during the winter months.
Any pest control treatment will only eradicate the current infestation, it will not prevent another in the future.
Tenants of rented or council properties should seek assistance from their landlord / Housing Office in making repairs to ensure the property is in good external condition.
Leeds City Council’s policy is to provide a long term solution to the age old problem of rats and to help its residents to do so, in this way we will continue to have a significant effect on decreasing the rat population in Leeds.
To report rats and receive free advice, please call 0113 2224406, alternatively you can download our Pest Control leaflets including the Rat Pack in PDF.