Why building work causes rat problems
Old buildings and drains often have resident rat populations. When demolition starts, or when old drains are broken out, the rats are displaced and look for new homes, usually the nearest occupied buildings. That leads to complaints from neighbours and, sometimes, to the local authority getting involved.
Pre-demolition rodent control
Many local authorities ask for pest control before demolition as part of planning or building control conditions. We survey the site, put down a baiting and monitoring programme for the weeks before work starts, and provide a written record that rodents have been controlled.
During the build
- Perimeter bait stations and monitoring around the site
- Advice on capping redundant drain connections so rats cannot use them
- Control around welfare cabins, canteens and waste areas
- Treatment if rodents are found in partly built structures
Health and safety
Rats can carry leptospirosis (Weil's disease), which is caught through contact with water or soil contaminated with rat urine. Workers should cover cuts, wear gloves, wash hands before eating and seek medical advice if they develop flu-like symptoms after working in wet or rat-infested areas.
Neighbours
Proactive rodent control shows neighbours and the council that the site is being managed responsibly. If neighbours report rats, we can inspect affected properties as part of the plan.
Questions and answers
Do I need pest control before demolition?
Check the conditions on your planning permission or with the local authority. Many councils require it, and it is good practice even where it is not required.
How long before demolition should baiting start?
Usually several weeks, so the population is controlled before buildings and drains are disturbed. We will recommend timings after a survey.
Can you provide documentation for the council?
Yes. We provide written reports of the survey, baiting programme and results.
Related pages
This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.