Dealing with pests

Overview

Most pests enter homes looking for food, water, and shelter. Limiting their access to these three things is the best way to prevent pests entering your home.

If you do get pests in your property, they can be difficult to get rid of. It’s important to act quickly, know what to do and what you are responsible for.

Our responsibilities

In most cases, pest infestations are your responsibility to resolve. There are some exceptions to this.

Repairs

We will carry out repairs to your home prevent pests getting in, such as blocking holes and investigating drainage issues. If an infestation is caused by a structural defect or other repair issue that is our responsibility, we may look at arranging treatments for you.

Communal areas 

We will take preventative measures and treat infestations in communal areas. This includes:

• Communal areas and corridors in blocks of flats
• Communal gardens

If the infestation has spread from a communal area to your flat, we will include your home as part of the treatment.

If we find that the infestation has originated from your home, you will be charged for the cost of the treatments.

Pests we will treat:

• Cockroaches
• Mice
• Pigeons 
• Rats
• Squirrels
• Wasps

Fleas and bedbugs

Fleas and bedbugs do not generally infest communal areas so we would only look at treating these in very rare circumstances.

Pests we will not treat

We will not treat for pests that are endangered or protected. Use the links below to find out how to get support for:

• Badgers
• Bats
• Bees
• Foxes

Tenant responsibilities

If you live in a house or bungalow

You are responsible for:

• arranging and paying for pest treatments in your home
• reporting repairs to us as soon as possible
• maintaining your home and garden so that they do not encourage pests.

If you live in a flat or maisonette

You are responsible for:

• arranging and paying for pest treatments in your home, unless the infestation has spread from a communal area. 
• reporting repairs to us as soon as possible
• maintaining your home and garden so that they do not encourage pests.

Milestone House, Parkland view and Supported Housing 

If you live at Milestone House, Parkland View or in supported housing and need additional support to manage an infestation, we can help you arrange a treatment. You will be charged for the cost of any treatments arranged by us.

Leaseholder responsibilities

You are responsible for:

• arranging and paying for pest treatments in your home 
• reporting any repairs to communal areas to us as soon as possible
• maintaining your home and garden so that they do not encourage pests.

If your property is part of a block that needs treatment, we will consult with you and apply charges in line with our Leasehold Policy.

Advice and support

Pest control services

We use Derby City Council’s pest control service, for any treatments we are responsible for. The service is available domestically and can be booked by anyone. 

Book online

If you would prefer you can employ a private contractor to treat pests in your home. We would recommend that you:

• get at least three quotes
• make sure you know whether the charge is fixed or by the hour
• ask if there is a guarantee for the work.

Preventing pests in your home

The best form of pest control is prevention. You can help prevent infestations by maintaining your home and garden, including:

• reporting repairs and drainage issues to us, including broken pipes and covers
• never leaving waste or food out
• securely containing rubbish where pests cannot get to it
• not letting your garden become overgrown
• reducing the amount of food left out for birds