A recent rat investigation by Cleankill Pest Control highlighted the importance of choosing your contractor carefully and identifying the root cause of an infestation, rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Cleankill Surveyor Mark Hobbs was called to a private property where the homeowner reported hearing rats in an extension void. Rats had also been spotted outside the property, prompting Mark to investigate the drainage system.

The original manhole had been covered during the construction of the extension, but a newer inspection chamber outside showed evidence of rat activity. A rodding cap was installed, and the issue appeared to have been resolved.

However, a few months later the homeowner contacted Cleankill again after rats were seen in the garden. Although the rodding cap remained in place and there were no obvious signs of activity in the inspection chamber, the customer mentioned that an elderly couple living three doors away had also been experiencing rat problems.

Mark visited the couple, both in their 80s, and quickly discovered the extent of their issue. The couple explained they had been receiving treatment from a large national pest control company for around two months and had already spent more than £2,500, including unnecessary “fumigation work” for flies caused by rats dying under the floor.

“As soon as I entered the property, I could smell the dead rats,” said Mark. “I immediately found a rat’s nest behind a kickboard in the kitchen. This had not been removed by the other company and had clearly been there for some time.”

Further investigation revealed that there were rat droppings in the manhole at the rear of the property, which was also evidence of ongoing rat activity within the drainage system.

Mark also discovered open bait trays beneath kitchen kickboards that the rats had taken, resulting in the rats dying and their bodies smelling under the floor. Then the major company had had to spray under the floor (the fumigation) to reduce the flies from the dead rats.

So, the company had created a problem that the customer was then charged a lot of money to treat.

“We focus on solving the problem, not creating ongoing work,” said Mark. “We would always try to prevent rats from dying in inaccessible areas by using traps where appropriate and securing them properly. The key is to identify how the rats are getting in and stop that access point - for example, the drains.

“The customer bought his own rat valve, which we fitted free of charge as we were so disgusted with the service they had received from the major company. The valve allows wastewater to flow freely through the drain while preventing rats from entering the property via the drainage system,” Mark added.

The case serves as a reminder that effective pest control requires thorough investigation, practical proofing measures and a commitment to resolving the root cause of an infestation rather than simply treating its symptoms.

Mark concluded: “There are companies that are looking to make as much money as possible from older people and those that wish to offer a good service. Guess which one gets ongoing work from customers and recommendations?”

In another case, the same company quoted £25,000 for an unnecessary bed bug treatment at a hostel run by a charity. Cleankill charged £1,800 for the work that was actually required.