Pest problems can be distressing and may affect your health, wellbeing and enjoyment of your home. Please report any pests in your home or a communal area to MSV so we can assess the problem and explain what happens next.
MSV now uses Premier Pest Services across all our neighbourhoods. Customers should not contact Premier Pest Services directly.
Customers in Manchester and Trafford can no longer arrange treatment directly through Manchester City Council.
What happens when you report a pest problem?
We will consider:
- The type of pest involved
- Whether it is inside your home, in an individual garden or in a communal area
- Whether a repair or defect in the building is allowing pests to enter
- Any risks to your health, safety or wellbeing
- Whether children or vulnerable adults are affected
If the treatment is MSV’s responsibility, we will arrange an inspection or treatment through Premier Pest Services and keep you updated.
If it is your responsibility, we will explain why and provide practical advice, information about suitable treatments and signposting to professional pest management services.
Please report the problem even if you are unsure who is responsible—we will assess this for you.
When is MSV responsible?
MSV will generally arrange treatment for:
- Rats, squirrels, cockroaches and bed bugs inside customers’ homes or in communal areas
- Pest problems in communal areas, subject to the type and location of the pest
- Pests entering because of a defect in the building, such as damaged brickwork, missing air-brick covers or gaps around windows
- Woodworm affecting the structure of the home
- Pigeon prevention in communal areas or where pigeons are damaging the building
We will also complete any repairs or proofing work that is our responsibility to help prevent pests from returning.
When is the customer responsible?
Customers will generally be responsible for:
- Mice, fleas, maggots, ants, silverfish or slugs inside their home, unless a building defect has contributed to the problem
- Bees or wasps affecting an individual home, unless a building defect has contributed
- Moths, butterflies, caterpillars, daddy longlegs and other insects inside the home
- Woodworm affecting furniture or personal belongings rather than the structure of the home
- Pest treatment in an individual garden
Customers are also responsible for taking reasonable steps to help prevent pests. This includes disposing of waste correctly, maintaining the condition of the home and garden, following treatment advice and not feeding wild animals.
Wildlife, birds and bats
Some animals and wildlife are protected by law.
MSV does not treat badgers, moles or foxes, but we can signpost you to an appropriate organisation for advice.
Bird nests cannot be disturbed when eggs or young birds are present, and bat roosts are legally protected. Where appropriate, MSV may complete repairs or proofing after the animals have left.
What if I need additional support?
Please tell us if a pest problem is affecting a child, vulnerable adult or someone with a physical or mental health condition.
We will consider individual risks and any support or reasonable adjustments you may need. If a customer-responsibility infestation presents a serious or immediate hazard, MSV may arrange treatment and discuss any costs with you.
How quickly will MSV respond?
We will respond to reports of pests within 24 hours, or on the next working day if the report is made on a Friday, weekend or bank holiday.
The time taken to inspect or begin treatment will depend on the level of risk. Emergency and serious hazards will be prioritised.
Leaseholders and shared owners
The Pest Management Policy does not apply in the same way to leaseholders and shared owners. Responsibility will depend on your lease and whether the problem affects your home or a communal area. Please contact us and we will help you find the relevant information.
