If you’re a homeowner in Chertsey, there’s a growing threat you need to be aware of – and it’s lurking beneath your feet. Rodent infestations entering properties through damaged drainage systems are on the rise across Surrey, and the problem is getting worse.
The Scale of the Problem
Recent UK research paints a concerning picture. Rat populations across urban areas have surged by 30%, with drainage networks becoming the primary access route into residential homes. According to the British Pest Control Association’s 2024 National Rodent Survey, call-outs for rat infestations increased by a staggering 32% compared to 2023 figures, with sewers and drainage systems identified as key pathways for property infiltration.
Here at YourDrainExperts, we’re seeing this trend first-hand across Chertsey and the surrounding areas. We’re attending more rodent-related drainage issues than ever before, and the problem shows no signs of slowing down.
How Are Rats Getting Into Chertsey Homes?
What many Chertsey homeowners don’t realise is just how little space a rat needs to gain access to your property. A crack as small as 15mm in a drainage pipe is all it takes. Rats are incredibly resourceful creatures, and your drainage system can provide a direct highway from the sewers right into your home.
Damaged pipes, cracks in joints, and deteriorating drainage infrastructure all create perfect entry points for rodents looking for food, warmth, and shelter.
What’s Driving the Increase?
Recent research from the University of Reading has identified some key factors contributing to the surge in urban rodent populations:
Changing food disposal habits: The proliferation of food delivery services has fundamentally altered how we consume and dispose of food. The study documented a direct correlation between areas with high concentrations of takeaway outlets and increased rat activity, noting a 65% higher presence in neighbourhoods with five or more food establishments within a 500-metre radius.
Increased littering: Additional findings from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) highlight that littering near residential areas has risen by 24% since 2022, providing additional food sources that sustain growing rodent populations.
Ageing infrastructure: Many drainage systems in Chertsey, particularly in older properties, are showing signs of deterioration, creating more opportunities for rodent access.
Warning Signs to Watch For
How do you know if rodents might be accessing your Chertsey home through your drainage system? Look out for these telltale signs:
- Scratching noises coming from beneath floors or within walls
- Foul odours emanating from multiple drains
- Visible drainage backup with no obvious cause
- Unexplained water damage near ground floor plumbing fixtures
- Rat sightings near external drainage access points
If you’ve noticed any of these signs, it’s crucial to act quickly. What might seem like a minor drainage issue could be providing rats with direct access to your home.
Why This Isn’t Just a Pest Control Problem
Here’s something many homeowners get wrong: rodent infestations linked to drainage systems aren’t simply pest control issues. They’re structural plumbing problems that require specialist drainage expertise to resolve permanently.
We’re finding that up to 40% of rat infestations we investigate can be traced directly to drainage system failures. You can call pest control to deal with the rats that are already in your home, but unless you address the underlying drainage damage, you’re not solving the problem – you’re just treating the symptoms.
Our Rodent Prevention Programme
At YourDrainExperts, we’ve developed a comprehensive Rodent Prevention Programme specifically designed to address this growing issue in Chertsey:
CCTV Drain Surveys: We use state-of-the-art camera technology to identify every crack, damage point, and potential entry route in your drainage system.
Non-Disruptive Pipe Lining: We can seal cracks and damage without the need for extensive excavation, using advanced lining techniques that create a solid barrier against rodent access.
Specialised Rodent Barriers: We install purpose-designed barriers at key drainage junctions to prevent rodent entry while maintaining proper drainage flow.
Ultrasonic Deterrent Systems: For high-risk properties, we can install ultrasonic systems that deter rodents from approaching your drainage network.
Regular Maintenance Checks: Ongoing protection through scheduled inspections ensures your drainage system remains rodent-proof over time.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
The combination of increased takeaway consumption and infrastructure ageing has created perfect conditions for rodent populations to thrive and infiltrate Chertsey homes. This isn’t a problem that’s going to resolve itself.
If you’re concerned about rodent access through your drainage system, or if you’ve noticed any of the warning signs mentioned above, don’t wait. A comprehensive drainage inspection can identify vulnerabilities before they become full-blown infestations.
Remember, protecting your Chertsey home from rodent infestations starts underground. By ensuring your drainage system is intact and properly maintained, you can eliminate one of the primary routes rats use to access residential properties.
For more information about our Rodent Prevention Programme or to book a CCTV drain survey, contact YourDrainExperts today. We’re here to help homeowners across Chertsey, Addlestone, Weybridge, and the wider Surrey area protect their properties from this growing threat.