The Importance of Rodent and Rat Control in Commercial Premises: Lessons from The Range Case
- christian5470
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Rodents, particularly rats, are among the most serious pests businesses can face.
They present significant health risks, cause damage to property, and can lead to devastating financial and reputational consequences. A recent case in Hemel Hempstead highlights just how costly failing to control a rat infestation can be. The case has been widely reported in local media including the Dacorum Council Website and the Watford Observer.
In September 2025, CDS (Superstores International Ltd), trading as The Range, was fined £66,666 at Luton Magistrates’ Court for failing to comply with food hygiene legislation after a serious rat infestation at its store in Apsley Mills Retail Park.
Despite employing a pest control contractor, the court found that procedures were inadequate. A Hygiene Emergency Prohibition Notice was served in January 2024, effectively closing the food section of the store due to the imminent risk to health.
The Watford Observer also reported on this case, drawing attention to how complaints from staff and customers about rats inside the premises ultimately led to prosecution and fines exceeding £80,000 when costs and surcharges were included. For any business, this is a stark reminder of why robust pest control and having a pest control plan in place is not just desirable - it is essential.
Why Rodent Control Matters
Rats are more than a nuisance. They carry diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis and others, contaminate food and surfaces, and gnaw through electrical wiring, stock and packaging. In commercial environments, particularly food retail, hospitality, and manufacturing, the risks multiply.
An infestation can lead to:
Fines and prosecution under UK law. Local authorities have powers under the Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 to close unsafe premises immediately and bring cases to court.
Reputational damage. News of rodent infestations spreads quickly, especially in the digital age. Negative press can deter customers long after a fine has been paid.
Loss of business continuity. Closures, stock losses, and repairs can disrupt operations, leading to further financial strain.
Health risks to staff and customers, potentially resulting in civil claims in addition to regulatory action.
Rat Prevention Is Better Than Cure
As we highlighted in our previous post Why Mice and Rats Head Indoors in Autumn, seasonal changes often drive rodents into warm, food-rich environments. Businesses are especially vulnerable in the colder months, making proactive prevention vital.
Our blog Every UK Business Needs a Pest Control Plan sets out how having a structured, ongoing approach is essential to comply with the law and protect your reputation. One-off treatments may address immediate problems, but they don’t provide lasting protection.
For food-related businesses, our guide on Keeping Your Restaurant Pest-Free explains the importance of staff training, monitoring, and hygiene standards to reduce risks and demonstrate due diligence.
Meeting Legal Obligations
UK businesses must comply with several key regulations:
Food Safety Act 1990 – requiring food to be safe for consumption.
Food Safety and Hygiene (England) Regulations 2013 – giving local authorities the power to act quickly against unsafe practices.
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 – obliging employers to provide a safe workplace.
Failure to meet these obligations can, as The Range discovered, result in prosecution, fines, and even enforced closure. Importantly, the presence of a pest control company alone is not enough. What matters is whether the service is effective and whether management takes appropriate action on recommendations.
Protecting Your Business From Infestations
At Stratton Pest Control, we know that prevention and ongoing protection are the most reliable ways to safeguard your business. Regular inspections, tailored pest management plans, and rapid response to early signs of infestation help businesses avoid the risks of prosecution and closure.
The Range case demonstrates that relying on “tick box” compliance is not enough. To protect your staff, customers, and reputation, you need a partner who understands both the risks and the regulatory environment.
By investing in proactive pest control, you’re not just protecting your premises, you’re protecting your brand, your livelihood, and your customers’ trust.
We help businesses throughout the South East and East of England, predominantly in the following counties:
