Unwanted guests like cockroaches, rats, and bed bugs have been a persistent problem for many homes in Worcester over the past year. But here’s where it gets controversial: the city council is footing the bill to get rid of these pests!
In the 2024/25 financial year, Worcester City Council spent over £4,000 on pest control treatments, tackling a range of unwelcome visitors from mice to wasps. Our investigation, based on Freedom of Information data, has mapped the extent of this issue across the city.
The council paid for treatments at 78 properties, with rats being the most common issue, affecting almost a third of these homes. Bed bugs were a problem in 15 properties, while wasps and mice were also prevalent, requiring removal from 11 and 14 homes respectively. Additionally, contractors dealt with fleas in nine locations and cockroaches in four.
The cost to the council varied, ranging from £34.71 for some bed bug treatments to £150 for visits to remove rats and mice. In total, these treatments set the council back £4,370.87.
A spokesperson for Worcester City Council explained that this service is not a statutory obligation but a voluntary scheme they have chosen to provide. The council withdrew its pest control service in 2010 as part of cost-cutting measures but reintroduced a subsidized version in July 2022 for residents on qualifying benefits.
So, who qualifies for this scheme? Residents claiming certain benefits, such as job seekers allowance, universal credit, and various tax credits, are eligible, as are foster carers with foster children. However, the council only offers treatments for specific pests: rats, mice, bed bugs, fleas, cockroaches, and wasp nests. Residents must arrange and pay for the removal of other pests themselves.
This initiative has sparked debate among residents. While some appreciate the council’s efforts to keep homes pest-free, others question the fairness of the scheme and the criteria for eligibility. What are your thoughts? Do you think this service is a necessary expense for the council, or should it be left to individual residents to manage? We’d love to hear your opinions in the comments below!