Taking action yourself

A wide range of products is available over the counter for pest control. 
These products are generally more expensive and less effective than professional products, but they still work when used correctly. 
You can ask professionals for advice or look for help online. 

Private homeowners are not legally required to carry out rodent or insect control, even if their property is infested. We know that infestations spread into the surrounding area, public sewers and neighbouring homes, so everyone should take the problem seriously and act responsibly towards their own property and, by extension, the wider community. Unfortunately, there is a common misconception that municipal utility companies or municipalities are responsible for dealing with pests on private property as part of insect control in public sewers.

There is a lot every property owner can do: 

• Keep gardens well maintained — trim hedges, maintain compost bins and the surrounding area, clear undergrowth, identify rodent nests, keep vegetable gardens free of fallen, diseased or overripe produce, remove standing water,  and so on.
   
• Keep sewer inspection chambers accessible — familiarise yourself with the private sewer network on your property and keep inspection chambers clear of soil and heavy objects. They can usually be opened easily with the right tools. Do not dispose of food through the drainage system (toilets, washbasins, kitchen sinks or outdoor stormwater inspection chambers). Maintain, inspect and wash these regularly, and pour oil into the rim channels of oil-sealed inspection chambers.
   
• Inspect indoor spaces regularly — keep cellars and storage rooms clean, attics accessible and outbuildings well maintained. Preventive measures to protect against rodents are recommended: seal potential entry points by covering holes and vents with mesh, filling gaps with silicone sealant, and so on. Clean floor drain traps regularly and fill them with clean water. Take appropriate action as soon as you suspect an infestation.
   
• Talk to others — infestations are very rarely isolated, so it is important to speak to your neighbours, contact your building manager, report the problem to the relevant authority, seek professional advice and arrange rodent or insect control. There is a common misconception that infestations are caused by dirt, so people often feel ashamed when an infestation occurs. However, it is essential to act as quickly as possible. 
   

Local community councils can contribute by raising awareness, sharing information about coordinated action and explaining the distinction between infestations on private property and those in publicly accessible sewers:

• Prepare notices for specific districts and streets where insect control is needed, and make sure residents receive them.
• Report infestation hotspots and pest sightings in your local community.
• List building managers and apartment buildings, restaurants, commercial premises and similar establishments  in your local community so that everyone can keep each other informed when routine work is carried out.