Pest Control

Rats & Mice

Although we don't provide a pest control service, we will investigate issues relating to rats or mice occurring due to land and property owners not carrying out adequate pest proofing or treatment.

How to prevent mice and rats on your land or property:

• Get rid of food sources that attract rodents. You may need to temporarily stop feeding birds.
• Clean up refuse areas and spilled rubbish.
• Store pet food and pet bedding such as straw in sealed containers.
• Keep refuse in wheelie bins with lids closed.
• Seeds stored in garden sheds should be stored in containers.
• Get rid of piles of scrap wood and clutter around buildings.
• To stop rodents entering a building, fix and replace cracked or broken doors and windows and keep drains and drain covers in a good state of repair.

You are required by law to deal with any rodent problems on your property. If you suspect that you have a rodent problem, we would strongly recommend that you obtain professional advice rather than tackle the problem yourself, as this can often fail and these creatures constitute a health hazard.

For further advice contact the environmental health team.

Further information can also be found at: The British Pest Control Association website.

Honey Bee Swarms

Boston Borough Council is often contacted for advice about swarms of honey bees that have appeared in peoples gardens.

Swarms will normally move on and should not present a danger if left alone. There are however local beekeepers that can help.

The British Bee Keepers Association gives advice on identifying honey bees and provides a link to contacting a local beekeeper who may be able to remove the swarm.

Bee keepers may charge for their services however this is usually a small fee to cover their travel costs etc. You should discuss any costs directly with the beekeeper beforehand.