The Common Rat, Brown Rat, aka the Sewer Rat lives in our sewer systems, breeding extensively in the larger mains they make their way into the sub mains then into the private areas of drainage, the drainage which connects directly to the house toilets and sinks.

All is well while they are out of sight tucked away under ground, other than the occasional very heavy rainfall which can flush rats to the surface they are more than happy to remain residing in our nations drainage systems.

The homes we live in are not built with rats in them, while they are naturally shy creatures which prefer to keep well away from us. They are creatures of habit and will take advantage of our environments, afterall they are a ‘Commensal’ Rodent

Commensal rodents live in our environments where they can find essentials like food, water, shelter and safe places to nest and breed.

It is estimated that around 90% of rat infestations within the home are caused by defects in drainage, these defects could be where a break has occurred over time, where pipework has been installed poorly or where drainage alterations have not been completed correctly. If you’ve had a extension where the toilet has been moved, or where utilities have been added on this is often where problems can arise.

Sometimes rat activity can be pinned down to ‘It all started after the builders left’ but in many cases it can take years before rats breach a property through incorrectly capped of drainage. To some a bucket full of extra rapid cement down a old drain is a solution, to rats its a challenge to be overcome.

In the last week I have had two virtually identical calls where builders have not correctly capped of a redundant section of drainage and rats have breached. One gentleman has had a issue for over 4 years and as many pest control companies whom just put poison baits down, knock down the current infestation for a new breach to take place several months later. This is where full inspections are so important from the first visit.

What makes both of these jobs so much more difficult is the fact that both properties have had brick built extensions with concrete floors build over the drainage. So it is not as simple a excavation down to the defect and correcting.

To add extra complications to both of these calls is the fact that to carry out any form of correction works will have to be done from a ‘public asset’ From October 1st 2011 the majority of private sewers and lateral drains in England and Wales were transferred into public ownership, Basically in brief, once a private drain either crosses a boundary or takes a feed from another property (Becomes Shared) then the drain becomes a sewer and is owned by the local water authority.

So from the customers and the pest controllers point of view we have a sense of urgency to solve the problem of stopping filthy, disease ridden sewer rats from invading your home nothing can be done quickly when dealing with local water authorities. Getting through to the right department is a challenge in itself.

Once a investigation is logged with the LWA schedulers quite often the wrong department is dispatched and quite often further investigations are carried out either not to completion of incorrectly in the mean time rats are in your biscuit cupboard.

Believe it or not, there is a major difference between a drain CCTV survey and a ‘Rat Specific Survey’. Personally I am not a fan of drain company surveys for rat infestations. There are some very good surveying companies which specialise in identifying the various possible points of entry into the property from drainage which many generic drain companies would not see.

I would always advise that in the event a CCTV Survey is required that a ‘Rodent Specific’ survey is requested and is carried out by a certified surveyor. In Pest Control certification and qualification is required to carry out our duties, In drainage such surveying qualifications are not mandatory. I would always advise a NADC (National Association of Drainage Contractors) operative is appointed.

Some Local Water Authorities do have contract companies who specialise in surveying for rats but again there is often a wait time. Often though It is a standard drain clearance and CCTV crew are dispatched whom often report back no defects.

On nearly all occasions a simple drain repair which if private could be done either within a week if not the next day can takes weeks and on occasion months before works are carried out if they are authorised at all.

Legislation is a grey area when it comes to public and private drain repairs. The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 and the Public Health Act 1961 with respect to disconnection and sealing of disused drains are both pieces that are to be observed by the homeowner, land owner, tenant or landlord and can be enforced by the local council. Neither can be observed when dealing with a private connection on a public sewer without authorisation from the LWA.

The LWA state their asset is defect free so no works are required, but the private drain owner can not correct the defect without working from the public asset. So no works are undertaken and the rats are now onto the cake cupboard.

Private connections in Inspection Chambers are a breeze compared to defects on or around pre-formed Junctions. Again though, concrete is not the answer. It is advised that the correct methods are used at all times to avoid further investigations in the future.

The importance of ensuring that ALL redundant drainage is either removed completely or capped correctly can not be understated especially when building over the drainage and even more so when there is a public aspect associated.

Rattraxs, where accessible will carry out a full rodent survey investigation as part of our inspections for rat infestations. To discuss concerns, ask advice or book a visit please contact us direct.