Latest news with #vermin
Daily Mail
21-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Rats are taking over our gardens and block of flats because other locals dump their rubbish here
Disgusted residents have revealed how rats have 'taken over' their block of flats and gardens. Craig MacPherson, 54, insists the vermin have moved into the buildings and surrounding areas in Renfrewshire, Scotland, in 'large numbers'. He blames locals 'carelessly' dumping their rubbish and a 'lack of interest' from Renfrewshire Council as the main contributing factors. Mr MacPherson feels the problem will continue to get worse unless it is addressed 'properly' by the local authority. He said: 'I moved into my current property in June of last year after it was the last option put forward by the council in terms of social housing and have been complaining about issues from the start. 'The tenements on Ferguson Street back onto some close gardens, which are impacted heavily by the rat infestation. 'Rubbish had been building up regularly until the council finally came and removed a lot of it recently. 'However, there are still bins overflowing, which is one of the main things that attracts the rats. 'Many neighbours share my frustrations, particularly since the vermin are also getting into the building.' Mr MacPherson feels locals are fighting a 'losing battle' trying to combat the vermin and said a lot of people 'do not feel comfortable' living on the street in its current state. He continued: 'I know tenants who have left and plenty who are desperate to leave. 'The gardens are peppered with rat holes, you can hear them going mental at night around the bins and the adult males are near the size of small rabbits. 'They have a perfect habitat around the back due to the state of the place and lack of care from the council. 'The number of vermin will only continue to grow. 'The rubbish is an eyesore, and the smell from that, and the rats, is another major problem.' Mr MacPherson hopes the council can help deal with the rat issue, but 'isn't holding his breath', claiming the street has been 'abandoned' for a long time. He added: 'While I understand that some private tenants are causing issues, and the council does not have any power to resolve those problems, they could definitely do a lot more to maintain the social housing in the tenements on this street. 'Things have been abandoned for far too long, and the street has been allowed to get in this state due to a lack of care. 'It was once desirable but now it's anything but.' A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: 'Our pest control team are aware of rodent issues on Ferguson Street, Renfrew, and are carrying out treatments to deal with infestations in this area. 'Residents can play their part too - as general advice, we would ask everyone ensures waste is disposed of correctly using all the bins available, and food waste is not left lying as this brings the potential for vermin and reduces the effectiveness of any treatment to eradicate any infestation. 'If you see or have concerns about vermin in your community, contact our pest control service on 0300 300 0380 or email to discuss your concerns and arrange a visit to assess any rodent activity.'
Daily Mail
05-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
The house I bought is infested with rats - can I take action against the seller?
I bought a new house a few months ago and recently heard a noise in the loft. Upon inspection, I noticed some rat droppings. I asked my neighbours if they'd heard or seen anything to do with this, which they hadn't. However, one did say a previous occupier of my house had asked a similar question to mine. During the sale, I never asked the seller anything with regards to vermin. They never mentioned it on the TA6 form and it didn't come up in the property survey. Can I claim redress against the previous owner for the costs incurred in curing this problem, or is it a case of buyer beware? If I can claim, what would the procedure be? Jane Denton, of This is Money, replies: Estimates about the number of rats across Britain vary, but it is safe to say there are millions of them. Brown rats are common and often found around homes, gardens and in urban areas. They can grow to between 15 to 27 centimetres, with tails nearly as long again. Rodents are prolific breeders and, according to the RSPCA, can produce anything from 15 to 100 young a year. Brown rats breed throughout the year. Sellers are legally obliged to provide accurate information about their property to buyers. Documents like the TA6 form are completed by the seller and designed to give the buyer important information on the property. If the seller provides incorrect or incomplete information, the buyer may, in some cases, be able to make a claim for compensation against the seller, or, if at an earlier stage, refuse to complete the purchase. When completing the TA6 form, sellers aren't expected to have legal or technical knowledge, or knowledge of things that happened before they owned the property. You have said that the seller made no mention of rats during the conveyancing process, yet have now found them in your loft. You did not make pre-contract enquiries about vermin at the property. It is not clear whether the seller knew or didn't know about the rats, and that distinction is significant. I have asked two solicitors for their thoughts on whether or not you are in a position to take action against the seller. James Naylor, a partner at Naylor Solicitors, says: The discovery of droppings in a newly purchased property is concerning. But does the post-completion discovery of vermin give rise to a legal claim? A recent High Court decision provides some guidance. In a 2025 case, the buyers of a £32.5million Notting Hill mansion thought they were getting a palace rather than a lepidopterist's paradise. Post-completion, they discovered a moth infestation. Suspecting the seller had swept the problem under the presumably moth-eaten rug, the buyers scrutinised the seller's responses to pre-contract enquiries. The seller had expressly stated that there were no vermin problems. Therefore, the court decided that the buyers were entitled to rely on the seller's representations and found that the seller had misrepresented material facts. As a result, the buyers were entitled to tear up the contract. While the facts of the moth infestation case are superficially similar, there are important distinctions. In the moths case, the buyers made direct and specific enquiries regarding vermin, and the seller's responses were found to be false considering their actual knowledge. In the present scenario, no such specific enquiry was made regarding vermin, and there is no evidence that the seller's responses to the TA6 property information form were false. Furthermore, in the moths case, the court's decision turned on the seller's actual knowledge of a severe infestation and the false nature of their replies to pre-contractual enquiries. In the current matter, there is no evidence the seller was aware of a rat problem or that they answered falsely. Had a direct question about vermin been posed and the seller denied knowledge, despite being aware, a misrepresentation claim may have been a runner—even if the infestation was not readily apparent. Additionally, in the current scenario, the pre-purchase survey did not identify any evidence of vermin, and there is no suggestion of surveyor failings. The neighbour's recollection of a historic issue is, at best, hearsay and does not necessarily constitute evidence of a current problem or of the seller's knowledge. The moths case serves as a reminder that whilst the courts will not tolerate false or misleading answers, particularly where the seller is aware of a problem, in the absence of a specific enquiry and evidence of false representations—as in the present facts—the principle of 'buyer beware' may indeed likely prevail. And, unless further evidence emerges of the seller's knowledge and dishonesty, a claim for costs is unlikely to have legs. Manjinder Kaur Atwal, director of property law at Duncan Lewis Solicitors, says: Unfortunately, your situation is one that many buyers find themselves in: uncovering an unpleasant issue with a property only after completion, with no obvious recourse. In legal terms, the principle of 'caveat emptor', or buyer beware, applies to most residential property purchases in England and Wales. The onus is generally on the buyer to investigate the condition of the property before agreeing a purchase. However, it is not the end of the story. There are several angles to explore depending on the facts of your case. The TA6 property information form, completed by the seller, asks questions about property's condition, including about the existence of pests or infestations. If the seller answered 'no' to this question and knew that there was or had been a rodent issue in the loft it could amount to misrepresentation. To bring a claim, you would need to show that the seller knew about a rodent infestation and intentionally failed to disclose it, you relied on their misleading when deciding to buy the property and you suffered a financial loss, such as pest control costs or the value of the property. The difficulty lies in proving what the seller knew and when. Neighbours may be able to recollect if any previous occupiers mentioned the issue and could help establish whether the problem is long-standing, although might not necessarily show the most recent seller was aware. If no signs of vermin were mentioned in the survey it would be unlikely you could claim against the surveyor, unless the signs were so obvious that a competent professional should have spotted them. Obviously, rodents can enter a property post-sale, so timing is critical. To pursue a misrepresentation claim, it is best to start by writing a formal letter before action to the seller outlining your complaint and any losses. Then you may wish to seek pre-action disclosure requesting relevant information, such as pest control invoices or communications. If the seller denies knowledge or liability, you could issue a claim in the small claims court, or County Court or High Court for higher sums. The key to success here is providing solid evidence the seller knowingly concealed a vermin problem, which is not easy. Keep your receipts and if you believe, you have evidence the seller knew about the issue, consider speaking to a solicitor. While frustrating, the cost of dealing with rodent problems usually falls to the buyer unless clear misrepresentation can be shown. How to find a new mortgage Borrowers who need a mortgage because their current fixed rate deal is ending, or they are buying a home, should explore their options as soon as possible. Buy-to-let landlords should also act as soon as they can. Quick mortgage finder links with This is Money's partner L&C > Mortgage rates calculator > Find the right mortgage for you What if I need to remortgage? Borrowers should compare rates, speak to a mortgage broker and be prepared to act. Homeowners can lock in to a new deal six to nine months in advance, often with no obligation to take it. Most mortgage deals allow fees to be added to the loan and only be charged when it is taken out. This means borrowers can secure a rate without paying expensive arrangement fees. Keep in mind that by doing this and not clearing the fee on completion, interest will be paid on the fee amount over the entire term of the loan, so this may not be the best option for everyone. What if I am buying a home? Those with home purchases agreed should also aim to secure rates as soon as possible, so they know exactly what their monthly payments will be. Buyers should avoid overstretching and be aware that house prices may fall, as higher mortgage rates limit people's borrowing ability and buying power. What about buy-to-let landlords Buy-to-let landlords with interest-only mortgages will see a greater jump in monthly costs than homeowners on residential mortgages. This makes remortgaging in plenty of time essential and our partner L&C can help with buy-to-let mortgages too. How to compare mortgage costs The best way to compare mortgage costs and find the right deal for you is to speak to a broker. This is Money has a long-standing partnership with fee-free broker L&C, to provide you with fee-free expert mortgage advice. Interested in seeing today's best mortgage rates? Use This is Money and L&Cs best mortgage rates calculator to show deals matching your home value, mortgage size, term and fixed rate needs. If you're ready to find your next mortgage, why not use L&C's online Mortgage Finder. It will search 1,000's of deals from more than 90 different lenders to discover the best deal for you. > Find your best mortgage deal with This is Money and L&C Be aware that rates can change quickly, however, and so if you need a mortgage or want to compare rates, speak to L&C as soon as possible, so they can help you find the right mortgage for you.
Daily Mail
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
Hoarder threatened with council action after mountain of rubbish, broken furniture and trolley full of groceries piles high in her front garden
A hoarder has been threatened with council action after letting a mountain of rubbish with broken furniture and Tesco groceries pile high in her front garden. Sharon Cochrane is under intense scrutiny from neighbours who complain the mess is attracting vermin to their cul-de-sac in Hunstanton, Norfolk. Shocking images show pots and pans left to gather grime, coat hangers, rubbish bins and even a packet of chestnut mushrooms past the use-by date. Ms Cochrane has shrugged off the criticism saying it is no one's business and 'I don't understand why people are so concerned'. She added 'the world is going to hell in a handbasket' and has questioned why people are 'so concerned about the furniture in my front drive'. But enraged locals in the Victorian seaside town are vowing to take 'direct action' if the rubbish is not removed in front of the Chatsworth Road bungalow. They have also claimed 'nothing seems to happen' when they complain and say the only time they see Ms Cochrane is when she 'walks past to Tesco with a shopping trolley'. It comes as a car with a damaged wing and flat front tyre has also been parked on the street outside with a sideboard next to it. Despite the council's warnings of direct action, officers are trying to work co-operatively with Ms Cochrane and say no deadline has been set because she is now trying to clean the rubbish. But impatient neighbours have insisted they have been 'suffering with this on and off for 10 years'. One householder said: 'People have tried to get lots of different agencies involved but nothing seems to happen. 'We only occasionally see her walk past to Tesco with a shopping trolley. 'This is a quiet, peaceful road and it's a shame.' Tammy Edmunds, spokesman of Chatsworth Road, added: 'How can the law of the land let someone live in such squalor and filth? 'I appreciate there are laws and regulations but some people seem to live above them. 'The street has been suffering with this on and off for ten years and in the last five weeks its gotten worse. 'It's a fire hazard and risk of health and safety. 'We've heard of rats from there spreading across to other properties which has meant pest control have had to come out.' Ms Cochrane previously insisted it was no one else's business. She said: 'The world is going to hell in a handbasket and people care so much about my furniture on my own drive. 'I don't understand why people are so concerned.' West Norfolk Council says it is working Ms Cochrane 'to manage her property'. A spokesman added: 'The council is working with the owner to manage her property. 'Officers recognise that she has made an effort to clear the exterior and they will continue to support her to do this. 'However, they also have the council's authority to take direct action, which means that if it becomes necessary a clear-up can be undertaken, for which she will be liable.' The council has served an enforcement notice under the Town and Country Planning Act ordering Ms Cochrane to clear up the mess. If it takes 'direct action', she would be liable for the cost of removing it and could have a charge put on her property to recover the money if she is unable to pay.
CNA
14-05-2025
- General
- CNA
She used to fear insects – now she keeps buildings pest-free, one rat and cockroach at a time
What would normally give the average person the shivers is nothing to Norhayati Samsudin. The pest control officer deals with all manner of vermin, from cockroaches to termites, mosquitoes, rats, wasps and monkeys, on a daily basis. Her job at Industrial & Commercial Facilities Management isn't what most people imagine frontline work to be, but it's something Norhayati takes pride in. To the 44-year-old, pest control isn't just about 'getting rid of' or killing pests. It's about keeping a place clean and making sure animals are moved to a safe space so they don't disturb the area. 'I like what I do,' she said. 'I keep places clean, and that makes me glad.' She is usually stationed at a single location – a shopping mall, school, hotel, or restaurant – and she spends the day checking for cockroach infestations, mosquito breeding and wasp nests, while clearing out termites and deterring monkeys. COCKROACHES, TERMITES, RATS – SHE'S SEEN THEM ALL Pest control officers have to pass certification tests to ensure they're able to respond appropriately to different animals and pests. For example, Norhayati, who has been in pest control for over four years, is trained to handle situations involving monkeys, to get the animals to leave an area without resorting to force or harm. Norhayati carries equipment with her, such as a 5kg pesticide sprayer to get rid of cockroaches. 'Sometimes, my pest control uniform is enough of a deterrent,' she laughed, recalling when her team was called in to handle a troop of monkeys gathering near a restaurant. This troop was a familiar nuisance, and indeed, the moment Norhayati appeared on the scene, the animals seemed to recognise her uniform and scurried off. At one school she was stationed at, she stepped in to make sure the monkeys that had wandered in from a nearby park wouldn't disturb and steal items from the students. 'People always give me this weird look when I say I do pest control,' she said in Malay. 'Then I tell them I handle monkeys, and suddenly, they're interested.' The most common pest she's had to deal with is, however, the infamous cockroach. 'Cockroaches are everywhere, that's something you can't run away from,' she said. Norhayati has become somewhat of a roach expert. She is so familiar with them that she can guess how big they are, whether they're the type that can fly or not, and how fast they can move, just from their droppings. 'It's gross, but the information can be pretty handy because with it, we'll know how best to deal with cockroaches,' she laughed. Once, she uncovered a whole corner of cockroach eggs. It's an episode that still makes Norhayati's skin crawl. In another incident, she had to calm a crying woman who was terrified of a flying cockroach. After removing the pest, Norhayati made sure the room was free of nests and eggs before leaving. She's now grown used to seeing all sorts of pests, like a gathering of lizards in the corner of a classroom or a large wall of termite nests growing in a cupboard. AN INTEREST IN THE UNCONVENTIONAL 'I'm a mum of seven awesome children, and I've helped my sister care for her kids too,' she said. 'So very little fazes me and I like trying new things.' She formerly worked in the food and beverage industry, starting as service staff and eventually managing a few restaurants. She also dabbled in facilities management, tried food delivery, and for a while, was a stay-at-home mum to her kids, now aged between 11 and 25. One thing has stuck with her across all her experiences: She likes keeping places clean. 'If a place isn't clean, it can really affect the mood,' she said. 'It may sound obvious, but I saw how a dirty place can turn many people off in the restaurants I managed.' She got into pest control 'accidentally' after a friend in the industry suggested she might enjoy the work because she was so particular about cleanliness. At first, Norhayati laughed it off. 'I had the same reaction most people probably would, which I'm honestly embarrassed about now,' she said. 'Why would I want to work in pest control? It sounded dirty and gross.' But the more she thought about it, the more it made sense. She'd already been trying out different jobs, and she was craving something more stable that would allow her to be home more with her children. Plus, as someone who gravitated towards the unconventional, this didn't seem so far off. Even her initial fear of cockroaches and other insects like large ants and termites disappeared quickly once she immersed herself in her job. 'It was like the fear was all in my head,' she said. 'Just because I'm a woman, I thought I had to be scared of pests, but they didn't bother me that much at all.' A BOOST TO HER CONFIDENCE It's this fearlessness from work that Norhayati also brings to other aspects of her life. At home, she regularly impresses her children, especially her sons, when she deals with pests swiftly and silently, without flinching. She sees herself and her teammates as 'unsung heroes'. 'If I keep thinking my job is lame, that nothing I do is special, and I'm just some pest killer, of course I'll feel low about myself,' she said. 'I don't want to fall into that. So I choose to see what's special about what I do – and how my colleagues and I can all make it special, too.' To Norhayati, being a pest control officer isn't just about spraying chemicals or chasing off animals – it's also about protecting people. 'If there weren't people like us, places wouldn't be clean. And when things aren't clean, a lot can go wrong,' she said. 'So we help make things right, and to me, that's enough to make us heroes.' Being the only woman in her team of around 10 also doesn't bother her. In fact, she enjoys the dynamic. Working with men, she said, has taught her to stand her ground and speak up when she needs to. It also offers a kind of balance in her life – most of her social circle is made up of women. 'This is a role people don't really pay much attention to,' she said. 'But it keeps me active. It has taught me to be more alert and observant. The stability and predictability of the schedule lets me spend time with my children, and it literally keeps the streets clean.'
