If you have spotted rats in the shed, wasps under the eaves, or something nibbling in the loft, you are not alone. The good news is there is clear, practical guidance from Stafford Borough Council on what to do next - and when it is something you can tackle yourself versus when it is time to get help.

Start here: Stafford Borough Council pest control advice

The most reliable place to begin is the council's own page, which covers common pests, prevention tips, and what support is available locally. Keep this link handy:

• Stafford Borough Council - Pest Control Information and Advice

Quick checks you can do today

Before you spend money (or panic), a few basics often make a big difference:

• Food and waste: keep bins shut, clear up bird seed spills, and avoid leaving pet food out overnight
• Block access: check air bricks, broken vents, gaps around pipes, and damaged shed doors
• Garden hygiene: tidy up fallen fruit, compost responsibly, and reduce clutter that gives pests cover
• Know what you are dealing with: different pests need different approaches - the council page helps you identify likely culprits

When to call someone (and who)

If you think there is a risk to health or safety, or the problem is getting worse, get proper advice rather than guessing.

• For guidance and council services in the Stafford Borough area, use the official council page above as your starting point
• If the issue is in a rented home, report it to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible
• If you are worried about waste, fly-tipping, or bin collection problems that could attract pests, check what your council can do via Stafford Borough Council

Reporting, neighbours, and community spaces

Pest issues do not always respect fence lines. If you are seeing a recurring problem affecting a wider area (for example, around public land or a community facility), it can help to flag it through the proper channels.

• Local council information and contacts: Gnosall Parish Council
• County-level services and wider environmental information: Staffordshire County Council

One last thing: avoid making it worse

It is tempting to throw down poison or block up a hole immediately, but that can backfire if you have not identified the pest properly (or if you accidentally trap an animal inside). Use the Stafford Borough Council advice page first, then act - and if in doubt, get professional help.

Downloadable Advice

Stafford Streetscene Services

A comprehensive guide to Stafford Borough Council's Streetscene services, which manage public spaces through horticulture, arboriculture, grounds maintenance, street cleansing, and pest control. The leaflet outlines the range of services available to residents, businesses, schools, and community organizations.

Download PDF