If you see a rodent or evidence of rodent activity your first point of call should be your local authority. The local authority has the duty and the powers to take reasonable steps to ensure their district is free from rats and mice.
Northumbrian Water will attend if the Local Authority has investigated and identified that the problem clearly relates to our sewer network. We are committed to working closely with Local Authorities to deal with rodents.
For a link that helps you find your local authority’s rodent advice using your postcode click here.
The images below show a typical layout of the drains and sewers around your homes.
We have outlined the process for dealing with rodent sightings, once we have received notification from the Local Authority.
Unfortunately, we are unable to bait any private manholes, these are the responsibility of the homeowner.
A typical layout of house drainage is shown below to help you determine if a manhole on your property is private or the responsibility of NW.
You need to determine if there is any rodent activity. The NWL manholes examples are shown below.
Is the area clear from debris? Are there any signs of food waste or fly tipping etc? If so NWL would not be able to bait in these areas until this rubbish / food source is removed (please use link above to report to Local Authority). This is because rodents will always look for food source, baiting the underground sewers would not help in areas like those below.
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