Control of Rats and Mice

RATS AND MICE (DESTRUCTION) ACT 1919

You are reminded that occupiers of land and premises are fully responsible under the above Act to ensure that measures are taken to prevent the infestation of their property by rats and mice.

Mouse

Section 4 of the Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 reads as follows:-

"Any person who shall fail to take such steps as may from time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats and mice on or in any land of which he is the occupier, or for preventing such land from becoming infested with rats or mice, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine not exceeding £10 or, where he has been served with a notice under this Act requiring him to take such steps not exceeding £25"

The expression "LAND" includes any buildings, and any other erection on land, and any cellar, sewer, drain or culvert in or under such land.

This leaflet is provided to help you to deal with rodent problems and to maintain your property free from infestation.

RODENTS REQUIRE FOOD

Prevent their access to supplies and you will go a long way towards clearing an infestation. Keep all food under cover; use metal bins, biscuit tins, or any kind of metal receptacle suitable for the storage of food.

See that all food scraps are cleared away each night, paying particular attention to gratings on sink discharge gullies. Always keep the lid on the dustbin and ensure that water is not left for rats to drink.

POISONING

The use of an anti coagulant based poison is the most effective weapon against rodents. These poisons are also dangerous to humans, domestic pets, and other livestock so care should be taken and poisons used only in accordance with the manufacturers labelled instructions. A variety of ready-to-use rodent baits are available from any large hardware store. Anti coagulant based poisons must be fed on regularly for three to five days with the rodents gradually becoming lethargic and slow in their movements and eventually die painlessly.

TRAPS

Break back (treadle type) traps are best with a suitable bait such as chocolate being placed on the treadle, and the trap itself placed next to a wall. A rodent will follow the edges of a building in order to find its location and come across the baited trap.

STICKY BOARD TRAPS

These can also be used with a rodent glue spread on a sheet of cardboard 300 mm x 300 mm leaving about 1 inch all round the sides free from glue. The board should be placed so that a rat or mouse cannot leave or enter without getting caught in the glue. These boards should be inspected regularly (once or twice a day) and trapped rodents disposed of humanely. These boards should be placed so as not to present a risk to other wild life.

Environmental Health

Control of Rats and Mice