Pest control called in after 'number of rats' spotted in grounds of Seaham primary school

Seaham Trinity Primary School confirmed that pest control had attended its grounds to deal with the rats, which were spotted “running quite freely” at the school’s car park.

The school re-opened after the festive break on Tuesday, January 7 after a staff training day on Monday, January 6.

A statement posted on the school’s Facebook page said: “As you will be aware over the Christmas break there have been a number of rats seen running around the school car park.

“We have been in contact with pest control who came out on Saturday (January 4) and baited the area in which the rats had been seen.

“Pest control have been out again today (Monday, January 6) and saw that all the bait had been taken.

“He laid more bait down today and will continue to come out to check the progress. During their visit they did not see one rat, whereas on Saturday they were running quite freely.”

The school added that it would be following the pest control team’s instructions over the coming weeks to ensure the creatures disappear fully.

It is believed that the rats have been coming out of a underground pipe off the school premises and feeding on the hazelnuts in the car park and the bins whilst the site was empty over the holidays.

A detailed survey of the building was also carried out by pest control, who were satisfied that the problem was contained, the school said.

Mark Farren, Durham County Council’s pest control manager, confirmed that the local authority had been in communication with the school and that the issue should be “quickly resolved”.

In a statement, he added: “We were made aware on Friday (January 3) of rats on the grounds of Seaham Trinity Primary School and made contact with staff at the site who confirmed they were handling the matter.

“We were asked to attend to assist on Saturday (January 4), following which we began a treatment programme in the grounds and provided advice.

“Our team also inspected the school building and found no evidence of rats having gained access.

“We have visited the school again yesterday and today (Monday, January 7 and Tuesday, January 8) and found the treatment has started to work and should resolve the issue quickly.”

This comes months after a two day closure at Academy 360 in Sunderland for a deep clean following sickness and rats on the site.