Insects

Insects can be a statutory nuisance when there's a noticeable increase in their numbers which interferes with the comfort and enjoyment of your home. Statutory nuisance legislation only relates to insects from trade or business premises so we cannot deal with insects from a domestic property, such as from your next door neighbour. 

We can investigate insect infestations on commercial premises that occur naturally or are caused by human activities; however, statutory nuisance legislation is not meant to be used against insects on open land or in ways that would have a negative effect on biodiversity. We therefore will not deal with insect infestations on:

• land used as arable, grazing, meadow or pasture land (except for structures placed on that land)
• land used as osier land, reed beds or woodland
• land used for market gardens, nursery grounds or orchards
• land forming part of an agricultural unit that's not covered by the above three points
• land included in a Site of Special Scientific Interest, rivers and other waters (except sewers and drains)

Likely sources of insect nuisance include:

• poultry houses or farms (buildings on agricultural land are not exempt)
• sewage treatment works
• manure or silage storage areas
• animal housing
• stagnant ditches and drains
• landfill sites, refuse tips and waste transfer premises

Statutory nuisance legislation also does not apply to insects listed in Schedule 5 of the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981, unless they're included in that Schedule solely to prevent their trade or sale. 

Report an insect nuisance 

If you're experiencing a statutory nuisance from a relevant premises, report it to us using the contact details at the bottom of this page. For example, flies are carriers of various diseases that can have a negative impact on human health.

Working out the source of nuisance can sometimes be a difficult and lengthy process as flying insects can travel considerable distances. 

Find out more about how we investigate a statutory nuisance

Contact us

Contact the environmental protection team for your local area.