More than 350 homes have been visited as part of a pilot scheme designed to tackle pest problems and the environmental issues that can contribute to them.
Liverpool City Council’s Pest Control team worked closely with Environmental Enforcement and Streetscene officers to carry out door-to-door visits in areas including Pagebank Road and Pilch Lane, following concerns raised by local ward councillors and residents.
The initiative aims to identify and treat rodent activity and to address the root causes that can attract and sustain pests, including excess rubbish, overgrown vegetation and mismanagement of waste.
During the visits, officers carried out property surveys and inspections and started treatment at properties where evidence of rodent activity was identified.
The operation also provided an opportunity to speak directly with residents about the support available to them and gather a better understanding of the challenges being experienced in the area.
One of the key findings from the door-knocking exercise was that many residents who had experienced pest-related issues had not reported them to the Council.
Residents are being encouraged to report any concerns so that action can be taken quickly and resources can be targeted where they are most needed. Pest issues can be reported on the Council website.
Warm weather can increase the presence of pests, such as rats, as they venture out in search of water and food.
The teams have now created an ongoing action plan to further prevent pests and ongoing waste issues. This includes further engagement with residents, increased monitoring of sewer networks, and the deployment of enforcement staff to businesses which may be mismanaging waste.
A number of referrals have also been made to Council teams where issues such as damaged pavements or rodent-damaged bins have been identified.
The pilot scheme has also highlighted the wider benefits of neighbourhood-based working. During the visits, officers met an elderly resident who was struggling to keep on top of overgrown shrubbery in her garden. As dense vegetation can provide shelter for rodents, Council teams stepped in to help cut back the shrubs, reducing the risk of infestation.
The pilot scheme will now be monitored and evaluated, with its success helping to inform whether a similar approach could be rolled out in other communities across the city. To help expand the services provided for Liverpool residents, two additional staff members have been brought on board, with a further two to be recruited.
Councillor Laura Robertson-Collins, Cabinet Member for Communities, Neighbourhoods and Streetscene said: “This proactive approach to pest control is about teams across the Council working closely together to prevent infestations before they can start.
“Our pest control team currently offers free domestic visits for anyone with pests, and they regularly carry out sewer baiting. However, we rely heavily on reports from residents to know where issues lie.
“By having our officers patrol particular areas together and speak directly to residents, we are able to get a much clearer picture of the challenges people are facing and offer practical support where needed.”
