Got a rat, cockroach or other pest problem in Mansfield? Phone another council

Rat infestations are now the problem of neighbouring local authorities, Mansfield District Council says

The council has previously provided a chargeable pest control treatment service to residents covering a wide variety of pests including rats, mice, wasps, ants, bedbugs as well as other insects. The council has also offered a service to commercial businesses both on a contract basis and to deal with one-off pest issues.

Although it has provided the service historically, it does not have to by law. The council now says it is facing significant financial challenges and that the pest control service has operating at a loss "for a number of years."

Cllr Bill Drewett said: “The council is facing significant financial pressures and is looking at various ways of making savings and generating income to plug the budget deficit.

“As council tenants will continue to receive the same service that they always have, and other options are available for residents and businesses at a comparable price, we are satisfied that there will be no adverse impact on the district.”

The review of the pest control service is part of an ongoing council-wide review that aims to improve performance, increase customer satisfaction and identify efficiencies – either savings or income generation.

Customers requesting pest control services will be signposted to other local councils such as Ashfield District Council, who offer a wide range of services at comparable prices, and to private pest control businesses.

The decision will not be implemented for five days - starting from April 19 - according to the council's call-in process for executive decisions.

Council tenants will not be affected by the decision as the council’s housing service will remain responsible for dealing with any pest control matters affecting these properties.

The council’s Environment and Public Protection team will also continue to investigate and enforce problems where pests are caused by issues such as drains, accumulation of rubbish, food waste and any other conditions that may attract or harbour rodents.

If you are affected by any of these problems, please contact the council’s Environmental Health team on 01623 463189 or email [email protected].