Council or private pest control in South London?

What councils may offer

Council services vary across London and change over time. Depending on where you live, your council may:

• Offer a paid pest control service for residents, sometimes with reduced fees for people on certain benefits
• Treat only certain pests, such as rats, mice, cockroaches and bed bugs
• Deal with pests in council-owned homes and estates through the housing department
• Investigate pest problems as a public health nuisance, such as rats on neglected land or from a neighbouring property

Check your council's website for current services and fees. In our area that includes Southwark, Lambeth, Lewisham, Greenwich, Bromley and Bexley councils.

When a private pest controller may suit you better

• You want a visit at a time and date that suits you
• The pest is one the council does not treat, such as wasps, squirrels, moths or pigeons
• You need proofing as well as treatment
• You are a business and need regular visits and records
• You are a landlord or agent needing reports for your property files

Council tenants and leaseholders

If you rent from the council or a housing association, report pests to your landlord first. Communal areas and structural problems are usually the landlord's responsibility. Leaseholders should check their lease and contact the managing agent about communal areas.

Rats on neighbouring land

Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, local authorities have powers to make owners and occupiers deal with rats and mice on their land. If rats are coming from a neglected property, report it to your council's environmental health team.

Questions and answers

Related pages

• Landlord and tenant responsibilities
• Rats in the garden
• Pest control cost guide

This page is general information, last reviewed on 19 October 2026. It is not a substitute for an on-site inspection.