Pest control

Our pest control service

We can only offer appointments in response to rats and mice but we can also advise about other types of pests.

Email pestcontrol@belfastcity.gov.uk or call 028 9027 0431 for advice about pest control issues.

• Read advice on how to deal with pests on your property (link opens in new window)

Advice about rats

Evidence to look for if you think you have rats:

• Fresh droppings that are soft and moist and coloured brown or black. They are capsule shaped and about 20mm long.  You may find them under your kitchen sink, in the hot press, in your loft, or your garage.
• Fresh gnawing of wood, carpets, papers, cables or furniture.
• Damage to food or household items.
• Holes that would usually be 50 - 80mm in diameter and shallow, with dirt usually piled up outside it. Rats like to burrow under sheds and paving stones.
• Smear marks around well-used entry points as rat hair is oily and leaves a dark stain.
• A trail of matted grass or trodden soil as a result of constant use of the same tracks.
• A bad smell.

How to prevent rats:

• Make sure all gaps both internal and external are filled in, for example drainpipes, windows or door frames. Rats only need a gap of 25mm (the size of ten pence) to gain entry.
• Any manholes should be regularly inspected to ensure they are free from rats.
• All food items and supplies of water should be covered.
• Gardens should be cut regularly and all weeds removed as these provide food and shelter for rats. 
• Garden sheds should be kept at least 25cm off the ground.
• All rubbish in both the house and garden should be put in the bin.
• All garden tools and toys should be stacked neatly when not in use.
• Bins should be kept closed at all times. 
• Bird feeders should be used rather than scattering food on the ground.

Mice

Evidence to look for if you think you have mice:

• Fresh droppings that are soft and moist and coloured brown or black. They are rod shaped and about 2 to 6mm long.  You may find them under your kitchen sink, in the hot press, in your loft, or your garage.
• Damage to food or household items.
• Smear marks around well-used entry points as mice hair is oily and leaves a dark stain.
• A bad smell.

How to prevent mice:

• Ensure all gaps both internal and external are filled in, for example drainpipes, windows and door frames. Mice only need a gap of 20mm (the size of a penny) to gain entry.
• Replace the mesh externally on ventilation bricks and slots as it may have worn away.
• Self-closing door mechanisms should be fitted to back doors to ensure these remain closed as mice often enter premises through an open door.
• All food items and supplies of water should be covered.
• Gardens should be cut regularly and all weeds removed.  Long grass and weeds provide food and shelter for mice. 
• Garden sheds should be kept at least 25cm off the ground.

Wasps

Evidence to look for if you think you have wasps: 

• Nests are recognisable with a constant stream of wasps coming and going from it by midsummer.
• Wasps can be seen flying in and out of one particular spot, either from a hole in the ground, a hedge or the roof of your home.

How to prevent wasps:

• Check your loft for small holes and gaps as this is the most common way wasps gain entry. Holes may need sealed and insect mesh can be used to cover air bricks and soffits.
• Treat timber with a wasp repellent mix. 
• Inspect hedges and trees regularly.

Fleas

• Vacuum your house regularly.
• Get pets regularly treated by a vet for signs of fleas.
• Groom your pet outdoors to prevent fleas getting into your home.
• Wash animal bedding regularly using a mild detergent.
• Spray floor surfaces, particularly cracks and crevices, with an anti-flea spray.

Flies

• Always store leftover food in sealed containers.
• Clean your bin and drains regularly and never leave rubbish lying around.
• Use a fly spray.

Wild pigeons

Don't feed or leave food out for wild pigeons - it can make them ill and could attract other pests.

Report a dead animal

If you find a dead animal on the road or street, you can report it to our Street Cleansing team.

If an animal dies in your house or garden, you must make your own arrangements to dispose of it. 

Report a dead animal