Downspout into ground.

[glennpierce]

I currently having an issue with rats in my loft space. I believe they are coming though my soil pipe and climbing that until they are on the roof guttering. I can stop that partially by blocking the soil pipe with a rat stop product.
However, I also have a downspout that goes from the roof into the ground and I assume then goes into the same soil pipe.
What can I do about the downspout ? Should I cut the pipe before in goes into the ground and build a drain area. I am not sure about putting any steel mesh at the top of the downspout as I can see it blocking with leaves quickly.

This problem is around my extension. On the old part of the house the downspouts do not go into the ground.
Is that the preferred method ?

Thanks

 

[Tigercubrider]

My mid 50's house has downpipes that go into the ground
They go to a soakaway- not into a drain. I get a discount off Thames water because of this

I would pour some dyed water into the system and lift a manhole cover to see where it goes.
No dye- soakaway

 

[foxhole]

Squished ball of chicken wire it top would prevent access and stop leaf litter blocking .

 

[Ian H]

They could be getting out of an open joint on the drain below ground and getting in that way.

I think you need a CCTV of your drain and a smoke bomb in there too.

 

[glennpierce]

Is the smoke bomb for smoking out the rats or does it help with detecting open joints ?

 

[Ian H]

Detecting open joints. You could see it or smell it inside or outside so it should give an indication of where they get out of the drain.

 

[Nige F]

They could be getting out of an open joint on the drain below ground and getting in that way.

I think you need a CCTV of your drain and a smoke bomb in there too.

But not at the same time

 

[glennpierce]

Thanks. I will give that a go.