Rats live in sewer systems, and often make their way inside properties through external pipework or drain damage. So, if you have a rat infestation and can’t find their entry points, then it is likely that they are using your drains.
While they might look cute and furry, rats can be one of the most dangerous pest problems you can face, as they spread diseases and can cause significant damage throughout your home. In some cases, they can even be a fire risk if they chew through live electrical wires.
At Pest-Tech, we regularly carry out CCTV drain surveys prior to offering rat control to homeowners throughout Maidstone and Kent. As such, we understand who is responsible for rats in drains and the importance of being proactive. Keep reading to find out more.
Signs Of Rats In Drains
Usually, the clearest indicator of rats in your drains is a rat infestation where you can’t find their access points. Often, the problem lies in your drains, and you can’t see it because your pipes are underground. That’s why a CCTV drain survey is vital.
Some other signs of rats in drains include:
- Drainage Problems: Issues such as slow draining water, issues with toilets flushing or others could be due to damage in your drainage system, which might be caused by rats or be allowing them to gain entry to your home.
- Scratching Sounds: If you hear scratching or chewing noises, then this could be a sign that rats are in your property.
- Rat Droppings: Look for dark pellets with tapered ends, that resemble large grains of rice and are usually around 12-18 mm, especially around areas with drains and pipes, such as bathrooms and kitchens.
- Bad Smells: Rats that have entered through your drainage system will probably smell bad, so be particularly aware of any strong sewage smells throughout your home.
Who Is Legally Responsible For Rats In Drains?
In the UK, property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain drains on their own property. Lateral drains, which transfer wastewater away from the property boundary and into the public sewer network, and the public sewer system itself, are the responsibility of your local water company. Your local authority is responsible for roadside surface water drains.
If You Own Your Home
For homeowners, this means that you are responsible for any drains within your property boundary. If the damage that allowed rats to enter your drainage system began in a public or lateral drain, then you can contact the water company and get them to fix those areas. However, any damage to your drains will be your responsibility.
If You Rent Your Home
For tenants, rats in drains and other pest control issues are your landlord’s responsibility, unless they were caused by your actions, such as a failure to maintain basic cleanliness or property damage you caused. As soon as you notice signs of rats, contact your landlord and they can take care of the issue.
How To Prevent Rats In Your Drains
It’s impossible to fully prevent any pest species, especially rats, which are highly flexible and tenacious. However, some simple steps you can take to reduce the chances of significant issues caused by rats in your drains include:
- Be Proactive: Rats can chew their way into your pipes, or also make the most of existing damage, such as broken pipes or holes made by tree root ingress. As such, you should get a CCTV drain survey regularly
- Maintain Your Drainage System: As mentioned, drain problems can allow rats to gain entry, so make sure you or your family aren’t flushing inappropriate items like nappies and cotton wool, or pouring hot oil or food waste down kitchen sinks, as actions such as these can damage your drains and allow rats to gain entry.
- Hire A Drainage Specialist: Drain problems aren’t something you can fix yourself. DIY methods often cause more issues, so make sure you work with skilled professionals. Choosing a pest control company like Pest-Tech, where the staff are fully trained to carry out CCTV drain surveys as well as pest control, ensures that you get all the support you need from one provider.
Get Expert Support
If you suspect there are rats in your drains or that damaged pipework could provide an entry point that leads to a rat infestation, it’s important that you’re proactive.
As a leading professional pest controller operating throughout Maidstone and Kent, Pest-Tech can provide expert support, including rat control and rodent proofing.
Our team can also get rid of other common household pests, including mice, squirrels, ants, bed bugs, fleas, flies, moths, wasps and more.
If you notice signs of rats in your drains, or need a CCTV drainage survey to identify their access points, contact us on 01892 871 008 or by emailing office@nightshiftpestcontrol.co.uk.