CCTV Drain Survey to identify rat infestation in a commercial complex in Kingston-upon-Thames
A commercial complex in Kingston-upon-Thames, where there are a number of commercial units ranging from retail shops to offices, contacted our drainage engineers. The complex had been in operation for years without issue, run by Lauren B. But in recent months, tenants have begun complaining about rats.
Initially, there were only one or two sightings near the garbage dump site but it soon got worse. First-floor businesses complained of hearing scratching sounds in their walls and even reported rat faeces found inside their stores. With many customers visiting businesses in the building, this was not just a nuisance but also a health hazard. If any customer noticed the infestation, it would lead to serious degradation of the complex’s image.
Laura had history with pest control companies, so she called in a nearby fumigator as soon as she could. The pest control team from The Pest Company laid out traps and bait stations. While this reduced the problem for a bit, it wasn’t long before the rats were back. Something wasn’t right. As time went by, it seemed that the rats entered the complex from deep within the building through the drains. Laura understood that she would have to take a larger view of the solution to the problem.
After a referral, Laura called Your Drain Experts as we were specialists in CCTV drain surveys and tricky drainage issues. Laura thought that the underground drains at the property were possibly being used by the rats to get into the building. She hoped that a CCTV survey would let her know for certain.
It didn’t take long until a team arrived at the Surrey complex with the right equipment for the CCTV drain survey. Using a special high-definition camera system, the drain surveying team began inspecting the Surrey complex’s drain and other drainage system. Laura was with the technicians when the camera went down the drain and live footage was displayed on the screen.
In just a matter of minutes, we found rat presence inside the drains per our drain technician. The camera showed the small holes in the pipes through which the rats had been entering and exiting. In parts of the drains, our technicians found cracks and holes likely caused over time by age and wear and tear. The rats got in through those gaps and easily moved down the drainage to the walls and floors of the building.
According to the CCTV survey, food wastes and debris were found in some areas of the drainage. The rubbish must have been flushed down from the businesses above and this would be a good food source. The expert told Laura that once the rats have a reliable feeding source, they will keep returning. In the meantime, the drainage system is the major freeway for the rats.
Laura was happy she, at last, found the source of the issues. Our technician recommended a two-step solution. We can seal off the rats by getting the drainage pipes repaired, Added the technician. This process can be used through a drain relining which will do away with disruptive digging. The drainage system needed to be cleaned out to remove the food waste which had attracted the rats.
After reviewing the available options Laura agreed to the repairs and cleaning Over the next couple of days, the engineers returned to the complex to do the required work. The engineers repaired the damaged sections of the drainage pipes, sealing the holes that allowed the rats to access the drains. To stop the rats from entering the site again, we used high-pressure water jetting to clean the drains and get rid of all waste.
Within a week, the job was complete. The results were dramatic. The tenants have not seen any rats since then and also reported no scratching noises at all. With frequent maintenance done by Laura, she was assured that the drainage system was now rat-proof and the problem would not occur again.
Looking back at the experience, Laura says, “I can’t thank your team enough for being thorough and professional.” We had been struggling with a rat problem for months with no solution working until your team came in and identified the cause. The CCTV drain survey revealed more than we expected, and I’m so glad we did it. The team blocked off the rats’ entry points and cleaned out the drains – we’ve had no issues since. I suggest them for pests and drains issues for any business without reservations.