Under provisions contained in The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 the Council has a duty to ensure that it's District is kept free from rats and mice. Where they are satisfied that a premises is verminous they have a duty to ensure that action is taken by the owner or occupier to remedy the condition. It also has a duty to ensure that its own land is kept free from rats and mice.

The Council, however, does not have a statutory duty to provide a pest control service ,but, when linked with its enforcement powers, it is considered to be a cost effective method of meeting its statutory obligations as described above as well as protecting public health.

AIMS of the SERVICE

It is the aim of the Council to:

- keep its district as free as is reasonably practicable from pests of public health significance in order to minimise the spread of disease and to ensure that its statutory duties under relevant legislation are satisfied..

- provide a service for the destruction of "public health pests" and other "common pests" likely to cause nuisance or distress to residents.

- provide a service of insect identification and advice on pest related matters to all residents.

- ensure that residents are made aware of the service and what they can expect from it

- ensure that all residents have access to the service offered.

HOW WILL THIS BE ACHIEVED

In order to achieve these aims the Council will offer a pest control treatment as detailed below:

Pests of Major Health Significance (Rats, Mice, Bed bugs, Cockroaches)

Residential Properties

We will provide a free service for the treatment of the above pests. This will include assessment of problem, advice on hygiene and proofing, treatment and removal of unused poison on completion of treatment.

Note. Although a free service is seen as the most effective way of achieving our aim, the Council reserves the right to refuse this service or to make a charge where advice given has not been complied with. In these cases action under relevant legislation will be considered. In addition the free service offered should be seen as the basic level of service which provides benefit to the community. Where it is considered that the level of treatment required exceeds this basic level the Council will consider either withdrawing or making a charge for treatment.

Commercial Properties

We will provide a service to all non-residential properties for which a charge will be made. This charge will be at a rate determined each year by the Council. We will offer an annual contract to non-residential premises to provide regular and comprehensive treatment. The charge for such contracts will be based on the assessed frequency of visits and the size and physical characteristics of the premises.

Note. The Council reserve the right to refuse treatment or the offer of a contract where advice given relating to housekeeping/proofing has not been complied with or where there might be a conflict of interests. In these cases action under relevant legislation will be considered

Council Land

We will carry out such treatments that are considered necessary to ensure that, as far as reasonably practicable , Council owned land is kept free of vermin or other pests which might present a risk to public health or safety.

Other Pests (Wasps, Fleas, Ants, Hornets)

We will offer a service for treatment of the above pests for which a charge will be made. A reduced charge will be made for persons in receipt of certain income related benefits. This charge will be set annually by the Council

Note . We will reserve the right to refuse any treatment where specific conditions relating to pre-treatment of pets or housekeeping have not been satisfied. With regards to treatment of wasps or hornets treatment will be refused where the nest is located in a position which presents a risk to the safety of the operative. We will not offer a service to treat for birds, moles, rabbits, mink etc but will be able to offer advice if requested. The Council will not normally undertake treatment for the destruction of bees and a charge will be made if the contractor is requested to visit.

Where the Council is unable to carry out treatment we will provide names and addresses of local contractors. The Council recognises that there will be situations which do not fall readily within the above policy, and these will be considered on an individual basis and any treatment offered will be at the discretion of the Operations Director or Chief Environmental Health Officer.

Insect Identification

The Council will offer a free, limited identification/advice service for insect and other pests in an effort to assist the community in the absence of other sources of advice. It is not our intention to provide expert or guaranteed service for such identification and advice however every effort will be made to assist.

What can you Expect from the Council

We will aim to respond to 90% of requests for service within 5 working days.( It should be noted that seasonal fluctuations might result in this standard not being met however you will be advised of any delay at the time of calling).

- We will advise you of any charges that you will have to pay and the methods of payment available.

- We will advise you of any preparatory work needed prior to treatment being carried out.

- We will advise you of the date of the proposed visit and every effort will be made to agree an a.m. or p.m. appointment.

- We will advise you should we consider that additional treatment above our basic level of treatment is required or if we are considering withdrawing our services.

- We will provide copies of this policy together with any related service standards free of charge to anyone who requests it.

- We will remove all unused poison upon completion of the treatment.

- Any enforcement undertaken will be in accordance with the departments enforcement policy.

If you would like advice on any pest control matter or to book a visit from a Pest Control Officer you can do this by:

Personally calling or writing to Causeway House or one of our Area Offices.

By telephoning the contact centre on 01376 552525

By e-mailing us at - - csc@braintree.gov.uk

If you would like to discuss or comment on the above policy please do not hesitate to contact

Haydn Bates,
Principal Environmental Health Officer,
Tel. 01376 551414 ext. 2210
e-mail: - - phandh@braintree.gov.uk