Hundreds of call-outs for pests

PEST controllers at the borough council were called out 710 times during 2015/16 to deal with rat infestations.

A budget report detailing revenue estimates for 2017/18 based on previous figures shows workers were also alerted to 269 instances of invasive wasp nests.

Other unwanted visitors eradicated included mice, fleas and bedbugs.

The pest control service sits within the pollution team of Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council’s environmental health department.

The authority has a duty under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act to deal with rats and mice on land and has the power to require the owners or occupiers of premises to take action. However, the main pest control activity undertaken by the council is the provision of a comprehensive pest control service covering pests of public health significance.

A part-time council worker provides the services along with a private company on a contract to deliver a full range of treatments.

Annual pest control contracts are also carried out for businesses and domestic premises. The service has 25 contracts providing £12,200 income and a sewer baiting service to Severn Trent Water which generates an income of £3,800 per year.

The council charges for the control of rats, mice and insects with the former costing £20 and the latter two both £53.