Pest Perspectives EP69Rats in Drainage Systems, CCTV Drain Inspections & Non-Return Valves

In this episode of Pest Perspectives Podcast, Shaun Muller is joined by Darron Pearce from RATTRAXS for a detailed discussion on one of the most overlooked areas of rodent control: rats in drainage systems.

Darron brings years of hands-on experience from both the pest control and drainage industries, sharing valuable insight into how rats can use drains, damaged pipework, surface water systems, hidden chambers, flexible pan connectors, old gullies and building extension work to gain access into homes and commercial buildings.

The conversation explores why recurring rat problems are not always solved by baiting alone, and why evidence-led investigation is so important. Shaun and Darron discuss CCTV drain camera inspections, how rats exploit defects or open drainage routes, the importance of understanding foul and surface water systems, and why pest controllers should know when to involve specialist drainage professionals.

They also cover the use of non-return valves, including when they may be useful, why they must be fitted correctly, and the importance of flow testing, monitoring and understanding ownership of private drains versus public sewers.

This episode is ideal for pest controllers, drainage professionals, facilities managers, landlords, housing providers, commercial clients and anyone dealing with repeat rat activity where the true source of the problem may be hidden below ground.

Topics covered include:

• Rats in drains and sewer systems
• CCTV drain inspections for rat ingress
• Surface water drainage and SUDS
• Foul drainage defects
• Flexible pan connectors and rat entry points
• Rats climbing internal stack pipes
• House extensions and hidden drainage issues
• Build-over problems and inspection chambers
• Non-return valves and rat gates
• Working safely within your competence
• Why pest control and drainage knowledge should work together

A great episode for anyone who wants to better understand how rats move through drainage systems and why proper investigation can be the difference between temporary control and long-term resolution.

https://rattraxspestcontrol.uk/

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In this longer clip from Pest Perspectives Episode 4, Shaun Muller is joined by Debbie Wilson from Wilson Pest Management & Training to discuss why pest control needs to be recognised as a serious, skilled and professional career.

Shaun and Debbie talk about why pest control is often overlooked as a career choice, how the industry could attract more young people, and why pest control technicians should be seen as trained professionals who play an important role in public health, food safety and protecting homes and businesses.

They also discuss the risk of losing valuable industry experience as older technicians retire, and why the pest management sector needs clearer career pathways, better promotion, and more encouragement for the next generation.

A great listen for pest controllers, technicians, business owners, trainers, trade bodies and anyone interested in the future of the UK pest control industry.

Taken from Pest Perspectives EP 4 with Debbie Wilson.

Topics covered:
Pest control as a career
Attracting young people into pest management
Technician skills and professionalism
Public health pest control
Industry experience and retirement
Career pathways in pest control
The future of the pest management industry

Subscribe to Pest Perspectives for more pest control industry discussion, training insight and real conversations with people from across the professional pest management sector.

In this longer clip from Pest Perspectives Episode 4, Shaun Muller is joined by Debbie Wilson from Wilson Pest Management & Training to discuss the role of a field biologist in pest control.

Debbie explains what field biologists actually do, how they support pest control companies, and why they are an important part of pest management on audited sites such as BRC, SALSA and food production environments.

This clip also clears up a common misconception: field biologists are not there to catch pest controllers out — they are there to provide another pair of eyes, support the site, identify risks, and help improve pest management standards.

A great listen for pest controllers, technicians, business owners, audited-site managers, food-site teams and anyone interested in professional pest management.

Full conversation taken from Pest Perspectives EP 4 with Debbie Wilson.

Topics covered:
Field biologists in pest control
Audited-site pest management
BRC and SALSA pest control support
Food-site inspections
Pest control standards
Technician support and site recommendations
Professional pest management training

Subscribe to Pest Perspectives for more UK pest control industry discussion, training insight and real conversations with people from across the pest management sector.