Everyone, from individual homeowners to business owners and managers of public facilities, is much more aware these days of the importance of a sustainable environment and supporting biodiversity.

Wildlife should have its own preserved habitats but as we approach winter, buildings, drains and gutters provide shelter, warmth and even food which attract all sorts of small creatures.

How can we consider wildlife while avoiding pest problems that could harm your property or business?

Common wildlife visitors in urban settings

In the UK at least we don’t have to worry about wild boars, wolves and bears but even the uninvited activity of smaller creatures can cause expensive problems to your building infrastructure, drains and sewers.

Birds

These are the most common culprits because of their habit of nesting in inconvenient places such as open gutters. You may not notice them when they are building nests in the spring, but by winter when their abandoned homes are blocking gutters the consequences can be damaging.

Leaks from overflowing gutters can rot walls and flat roofs, cause mould problems and leave unsightly stains down walls, as do bird droppings.

Squirrels

Squirrels build nests high up to protect from predators. So, drainpipes and guttering are ideal ways to get onto a roof for safety.

Unfortunately, while they’re up there, squirrels can cause damage to roofs and gutters, trying to gain access to the building. They make holes and cracks with their claws and teeth, which lets in the weather.

Squirrels can often cause damage to drainpipes with their teeth and claws as they climb up them. The coating on downpipes and guttering will also be worn away, causing cracks to appear. Squirrels are also quite noisy guests, which isn’t pleasant for visitors or customers.

Rats

These are good swimmers and can use sewer and drains to gain entry into buildings, enlarging small holes in their linings. Black rats are also good climbers and, like squirrels, can climb even a vertical drainpipe.

Rodents, including rats and mice, like to burrow inside walls in the winter to stay warm, damaging fittings and even electrical cables.

In addition, rodents are attracted to food and leave droppings, potentially spreading disease. Local authority or Food Standards Agency hygiene inspectors can take enforcement action to close a premises until it deals with a pest problem.

Preventing wildlife problems

It’s cheaper, less inconvenient and more humane to prevent unwanted wildlife from entering a building and breeding before it happens, which could then lead to expensive repairs or a temporary interruption of your operations:

  • Rodent guards and no-return valves can be fitted to pipes and drains to stop rats, mice and squirrels from gaining entry.
  • Repair any cracks or holes in your premises that could let animals in.
  • Clear gutters of any debris that could be used to make nests. Remove old nests that birds return to every year.
  • Put in place a regular maintenance programme in partnership with a professional contractor to ensure that your drains, gutters and sewers are looked after all year round, identifying issues and preventing them from turning into a problem.

Drain and Sewer Services

Whether you are responsible for a family home or a large business or public premises, we offer peace of mind through our one-stop service to keep you operating.

Our trained teams have access to specialist drain and gutter cleaning equipment. We clear gutters safely and without ladders, using our Skyvac suction unit and CCTV attached to an extendable carbon fibre pole to inspect problem areas for blockages. We also use the latest high-pressure water jet units to keep sewers and drains clean, free flowing, making them less attractive to pests.

Through a 24/7 emergency response and tailored pre-planned maintenance contracts we also offer a full range of other services to support our clients most complex premises maintenance needs:

  • Unblocking drains, culverts, sewers and guttering
  • Maintaining, emptying and cleaning septic tanks
  • Repairing or replacing burst water mains
  • Surveying, testing and carrying out routine checks using remote-controlled CCTV cameras
  • Groundworks, including hardstanding, roads and walkways (we are NSWRA accredited to work on public roads).

Our teams are also safety trained for working at height or in public areas, so you don’t have to shut up shop while we work.

To find out more about how Drain and Sewer Services can help you, talk to one of our team at Drain and Sewers on 01252 312738 or email us at info@drainandsewer.co.uk.