Liverpool Council visits more than 350 homes in crackdown on pest problems
More than 350 homes in Liverpool have been visited as part of a new pilot scheme aimed at tackling pest problems and the environmental issues that can contribute to infestations.
Liverpool City Council’s Pest Control team joined forces with Environmental Enforcement and Streetscene officers to carry out door-to-door visits in areas including Pagebank Road and Pilch Lane.
The operation was launched following concerns raised by residents and local ward councillors.
As well as identifying and treating rodent activity, the scheme is designed to tackle some of the underlying causes that can attract and sustain pests, such as excess rubbish, overgrown vegetation and poorly managed waste.
Officers carried out property surveys and inspections during the visits, with treatment beginning at homes where evidence of rodent activity was discovered.
Council teams also spoke directly to residents about the support available and gathered information about the issues being experienced locally.
One of the main findings was that many residents who had experienced pest problems had not reported them to the council.
People are now being encouraged to report concerns as soon as possible so action can be taken quickly and resources directed to areas where they are most needed.
The council said warmer weather can increase sightings of pests such as rats as they venture out in search of food and water.
Following the pilot, teams have developed an ongoing action plan which includes further engagement with residents, increased monitoring of sewer networks and enforcement visits to businesses suspected of mismanaging waste.
A number of issues identified during the operation have also been referred to other council departments, including damaged pavements and bins damaged by rodents.
The scheme has also highlighted the wider benefits of teams working together at neighbourhood level.
During the visits, officers met an elderly resident who was struggling to manage overgrown shrubbery in her garden. As dense vegetation can provide shelter for rodents, council teams helped cut back the shrubs to reduce the risk of infestation.
The pilot will now be monitored and evaluated, with its results helping Liverpool City Council decide whether a similar approach could be introduced in other communities across the city.
Two additional members of staff have already joined the service to expand the support available to Liverpool residents, with another two set to be recruited.
Pest problems can be reported through the Liverpool City Council website.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said:
“This proactive approach to pest control is about teams across the Council working closely together to prevent infestations before they can start.
“Our pest control team currently offers free domestic visits for anyone with pests, and they regularly carry out sewer baiting. However, we rely heavily on reports from residents to know where issues lie.
“By having our officers patrol particular areas together and speak directly to residents, we are able to get a much clearer picture of the challenges people are facing and offer practical support where needed.”
