Case Study: CCTV Survey To Finding Rats 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 a lady called Lauren. But in recent months, tenants have begun complaining about seeing rats running around the car park and sides of the buildings.
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 local rat pest control 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.
What we did
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.
What we found
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.
What we did
Laura was happy she, at last, found the source of the issues. Our technician recommended a two-step solution:
-
- Sealing off the rat’s entry point by ensuring that the drainage pipes are repaired through a drain pipe re-lining. This would avoid any disruptive digging.
-
- A thorough clean and flush of the drainage system to remove any build up of food waste which was likely the cause of attracting 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 4 days, the job was complete. The results were immediate. The tenants have not seen any rats since the work was completed and also reported no further scratching noises in the property. Laura was assured that the drainage system was now rat-proof and the problem would not occur again.
Summary
Looking back at the experience, Laura says, “I can’t thank your team enough for being fast, 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.”
Laura and Your Drain Experts now have an annual drain cleaning agreement in place to ensure the drains are kept in first class condition and so this doesn’t happen again.
CCTV Drain Surveys for Rat Infestations - Kingston Surrey FAQs
CCTV Drain Survey to identify rat infestation in a commercial complex in Kingston-upon-Thames
We use high definition cameras to survey your drains and identify where rats are entering through damaged pipes, broken joints and defective connections. The footage from the camera shows that in Kingston you have cracks, holes, displaced joints and many other structural defects through which rats enter your property.
What signs of rat activity will a CCTV survey reveal in my drains?
In CCTV surveying, we find droppings, nesting material gnawing of pipes, grease marks of rats hairs, actual rats presence and movement toxic within drainage pipe. Through the camera, you can ascertain how much damage rats may have caused to the drain structure.
How long does a CCTV drain survey take for rat infestation assessment in Kingston?
A standard CCTV drain survey for possible rat infestation always takes 1-3 hours. This depends on the size of your drainage and the complexity of the infestation. We will examine every visible drain run on your Kingston premises to provide you with a complete report on rat entry and destruction.
Can you perform CCTV surveys on both domestic and commercial properties in Kingston?
We carry out CCTV drain surveys for rat issues in homes and businesses across Kingston, such as restaurants, offices, shops, and industrial estates. We can manage drainage systems of all sizes from the small pipe in your home to the large sewer in your street.
What happens after the CCTV survey identifies rat entry points?
After the survey is done, we produce a report of the survey with video footage showing all rat entry points and structural damage. After that, we will suggest a range of repair solutions, including drain relining, pipe replacement, or joint sealing, to stop rats from entering your Kingston property.
Do you provide same-day CCTV surveys for urgent rat problems in Kingston?
We offer immediate CCTV survey for rat infestation emergency in Kingston and same day appointment. If you are facing an urgent health threat or huge damage to property from rats, our fast response team can carry out surveys at the earliest. We will check where the rats are getting in for immediate action.
How deep can your CCTV cameras go to find rat entry points?
Using our professional CCTV equipment, we can check drains up to a distance of 100 meters from an access point. We will find every possible entry point for rats through your Kingston property’s drains, because of our specialist equipment
Will the CCTV survey disturb rats currently living in my drains?
This insertion of CCTV Camera will disturb the rats in the drainage system temporarily. It helps us identify the routes used by Rats and their nesting locations. Our Kingston rat removal team conducts a minimally invasive survey process. This helps us get the information we need to develop an effective removal and prevention strategy.
Can you combine rat removal with the CCTV drain survey service?
The CCTV survey helps with identification of entry points as well as damage assessment. We carry out rat removal with the help of qualified pest control technicians. We can arrange the survey, structural repairs, and pest control treatment to solve the rat infestation problem in Kingston.
How much does a CCTV drain survey cost for rat infestation problems in Kingston?
The cost of a CCTV drain survey will depend on the size of it your drain and the complexity of the rat issue. We can often combine the cost of the survey with the repair work needed to secure rat entry points and the drainage system at your property in Kingston area at no charge.