RATS are said to be infesting a Pitsea residential estate with concerns raised that a new pipe system could be creating a “rodent runway”.

A number of residents have claimed to see evidence of the rodents scurrying around their properties, as well as being able to hear them within the walls – with many stating it has started since sprinkler systems were installed in the Felmores Estate.

Echo:

Scene - the Felmores estate

Basildon Council has claimed it has had no reports of issues with vermin associated with the sprinkler systems but did send pest control to the site yesterday.

Numerous residents have taken to social media with reports, while Essex pest expert Ian Bright, from Pest ID, told the Echo the new pipe systems put into the Felmores Estate could have created a rodent runway allowing them to run from one home to another.

One resident, who asked not to be named by the Echo, said: “I haven’t had them in my house but there is one in the wall.

“My neighbour actually had them running around her house.

“The soil pipe caps have corroded and they are getting up that way apparently.”

Other residents added the issue only began when work was completed on installing sprinkler systems, as well as claiming that council workers who visited the site admitted the authority has been flooded with calls about the issue.

Jean Wallace, 63, of Felmores, added: “It is ridiculous. These are vermin at the end of the day, which is very worrying.

“You can hear them scurrying around inside the walls.

“I am yet to actually see a rat, but they have managed to get in one of our cupboards at night.

“We came down one morning last week and a rat had been in biscuits and crisps and stuff in the draw had been eaten, and there were droppings everywhere.

“Obviously we threw it all out, but that food costs money and we are losing out.

“It is out of our control.”

Another resident stated they have lived on the estate for eight years without any issue, but this all began when the sprinkler system was installed.

Mr Bright said: “You sometimes have this with new developments, because the building work disperses the animals from where they have been nesting.

“I would guess that the rodents are running along the pipes, and almost going loft to loft along the estate.

“I would suggest blocking the area around the pipe with wire wool or something like that, it leaves a bad taste in the rodents mouth.

“Proofing is the best way to go, preventing them getting in to start with.”

Basildon Council insisted no specific complaints have been made, although one resident claimed a council worker told them the council had been inundated with calls regarding the issue.

The council sent a surveyor and pest control contractor onto the site yesterday to asses the issue.

A Basildon Council spokesperson said: “We have not had any issues with vermin associated with the sprinkler systems on the Felmores estate reported to us directly.

“However, we are now investigating this matter and will have a surveyor and pest control contractor on site.”