Frequently asked questions
I have mice in my house. How long will it take to get rid of them?
If using bait this will take between 4 and 10 days. It will depend on how bad the infestation is and whether all points of entry are now sealed.
I've seen a rat in my garden what can I do?
If you see it regularly over a period of 3 – 4 days it may live close by and bait or traps could be used. Make sure there are no sources of food or water for it.
There are birds nesting under my eaves. Can anything be done?
We do not provide a service for dealing with birds. If the birds have already laid eggs wait until the chicks have left the nest and then try to block any holes in the eaves to prevent further nesting
My neighbour feeds feral cats and they come into my garden. How can I deter them?
We do not provide a service to deal with feral cats. There are chemical deterrents on the market or you might wish to try a water pistol. Sometimes if you have a cat of your own this is the best deterrent.
I've found a wasps nest in my attic. Will it be used again next year?
Wasps nests are only used once so if you find a large nest in the winter it will not be inhabited again.
I think my cat/dog may have fleas. What should I do?
Get a proprietary flea treatment for your pet from a vet. Look for any signs of flea presence in the house (see Fleas). Your house may need to be fumigated.
I've noticed bats flying from my roof at dusk. Could they be in my roofspace?
It's possible, but if so you cannot remove them yourself as they are a protected species. Contact us for more advice.
Can I be made to get rid of vermin on my land?
Yes. The Rats and Mice (Destruction) Act 1919 says “any person who shall fail to take such steps as may from time to time be necessary and reasonably practicable for the destruction of rats and mice on or in any land of which he is the occupier, or for preventing such land from becoming infested with rats or mice, shall be liable on summary conviction to a fine”
Is there a charge for the services of the pest control officer
There is no charge for advice but there is for the following treatments
- Fumigation £70
- Rodent control £40
- Wasps nest destroyed £40
- Insecticidal treatment (Ground floor only) £35
However if you are an OAP there may be no charge.
I am a Housing Executive/ Housing Association tenant. What do I do if I have pests?
Contact your local Housing Executive/ Housing Association office to see if they can arrange for any appropriate treatment to be carried out
For more information and advice contact
The Pest Control Officer
Lisburn City Council
Island Civic Centre
The Island
Lisburn
BT27 4RL
Tel: 028 9250 9250
