- 0191 7166647
- info@pest-shield.co.uk
- Pest Shield North East Ltd Unit 18 Wilden Road Pattinson Industrial Estate Washington NE38 8QB
Pest Shield attended a takeaway in Wallsend NE28 following repeated reports of rat activity around the commercial waste storage area at the rear of the premises.
The business had observed rats around the wheelie bins, raising concerns over food hygiene, staff safety and the potential impact on the reputation of the premises.
A detailed inspection was requested to establish why rodents were repeatedly returning to the area.
Inspection of the commercial waste storage area quickly identified the underlying cause of the activity.
The drain bungs fitted to the bases of the commercial wheelie bins were missing, allowing rats direct access into the bins where food waste had accumulated. Rather than simply feeding on waste around the bins, the rodents were entering the containers themselves and exploiting a reliable food source.
Further inspection identified established rat runs leading directly to the waste storage area, confirming the location was being visited regularly.
By identifying both the food source and the established rodent routes, treatment could be focused where it would have the greatest effect.
A structured rodent control programme was commenced.
Tamper-resistant bait stations fitted with professional break-back traps were installed along the established rat runs to intercept rodents travelling between harbourage and the commercial waste area.
At the same time, the missing drain bungs were replaced, preventing rats from entering the wheelie bins and removing the readily available food source that had been sustaining the infestation.
Addressing the environmental conditions encouraging the infestation was considered just as important as reducing the existing rat population.
The first follow-up inspection confirmed the trapping programme was proving effective, with four rats successfully captured within the break-back traps.
The traps were reset, and two additional tamper-resistant trapping stations were installed in secondary locations where further activity had been identified, increasing coverage across the rear service area.
At the final inspection, no further trapping activity or fresh evidence of rats was observed. The customer also confirmed there had been no additional sightings since the previous visit.
The infestation was assessed as functionally over.
As the property operates as a commercial food premises, maintaining effective pest management is essential.
Following completion of the treatment programme, the customer enrolled on one of Pest Shield’s commercial pest control contracts, providing routine inspections, monitoring and preventative maintenance to ensure any future activity is identified and addressed at the earliest opportunity.
Commercial rodent infestations are often sustained by a combination of harbourage, food availability and repeated access to the same resources.
In this case, simply trapping rats without addressing the missing drain bungs would have left an easily accessible food source in place, increasing the likelihood of continued activity.
By identifying the reason the rodents were exploiting the area and removing that opportunity alongside a targeted trapping programme, the infestation was brought under control and the risk of recurrence significantly reduced.
Property Type: Commercial Takeaway
Location: Wallsend, North Tyneside NE28
Services Provided: Commercial Rat Control, Rodent Trapping, Minor Proofing Works, Commercial Pest Management
