The brown rat is dull brown in colour and measures between 12 - 17" from nose to tail. It has small, close-set ears, a blunt muzzle and very sharp teeth. Worldwide rats are the most destructive pests known to man. Rats are a known source of numerous diseases afflicting humans and domesticated animals. Rats contaminate food and cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment. The live in nests made from all types of material including chewed up insulation on electrical wires.

Rats are a serious hazard to public health. Apart from contaminating food from droppings and urine, fleas from rats were responsible for spreading the bubonic plague. Because of their unsanitary habits, secondary infections from rat bites can be serious and sometimes even fatal.

Rats nest in a safe location near food and water. Outdoors rats burrow into the ground. Indoors, nesting occurs in double walls, between ceilings and floors, in closed in areas around worktops and anywhere rubbish is allowed to accumulate. The average life span of a rat is 18 months. Single females can have as many as 6 litters per year.

Council Pest Control Officers will deal with pests that are harmful to public health and well being at homes and businesses. Rodents, that is Rats and Mice, can be particularly unsettling due to their possible transmission of diseases. The Council will respond to request for service in relation to these pests within 3 working days at no charge to households and for a fee at non residential locations.

Pest Control services can be arranged by telephoning during normal working hours, 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.

What do we treat for and is there a charge?

See the Pests home page.

Contact Details
South Derbyshire District Council
Environmental Services
Civic Offices
Civic Way
Swadlincote
Derbyshire
DE11 0AH

Telephone: 01283 595795
e-mail: environmental.health@south-derbys.gov.uk
Fax: 01283 595855