Posted By Is Kismet You could do what is called in some circles 'self help'. Your friend pays for a private company to come out and put in a pest control programmee. What powers would you like?

Posted By Dave Wilson Nothing to do with the EA, it's probably the RSPCA or the Local Authority EH Dept if it is causing a nuisance

Posted By Charley Farley-Trelawney Just a thought but would DEFRA have any interest in this? CFT

Posted By Bill Elliott The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 requires the occupiers of any land or buildings to notify the local authority of any rodent infestation (not agricultural land). The LA can insist that the occupier carries out any necessary treatment including the removal of any harbourage and rpeair of buildings. The Act requires LA's to ensure that their district is kept free from rats and mice.

Posted By TonyL DEFRA- whats this? :) Thanks for the advice guys

Posted By Dave Wilson Pests and Nuisances Environmental Health officers investigate complaints regarding statutory nuisances and public health matters. These include: accumulations of rubbish in gardens, on land and in alleyways. rats from neighbouring premises filthy and verminous domestic premises nuisance from keeping animals/birds The action we take will depend on whether or not a statutory nuisance exists. For example, if the type of rubbish complained of is prejudicial to health or interfering with the comfort and enjoyment of a neighbour's property. Food waste would come into this category as it could attract rats to an area. However, inert matter such as bricks or furniture would not constitute a statutory nuisance. Where an officer is made aware of any premises and or person which on inspection and judgement it believes to be both filthy and verminous, statutory action can be taken by the EH department to have one or both suitably cleaned. If an officer believes a statutory nuisance does not exist, an informal letter may be sent to the owner/occupier of the land/property. This letter will inform them that a complaint has been made and recommend any action we believe may be necessary. Animals and birds kept in such a way that they are prejudicial to a persons health or well being will be investigated by an Environmental Health officer. Action taken will range from giving advice and liaising with other agencies, to the service of notices if the matter is so serious as to be judged a statutory nuisance. Relevant Legislation Environmental Protection Act 1990 Public Health Act 1936 Local Government (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 1982 Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949