Doncaster mum-of-two worried for her young children as rat infestation at council property remains unaddressed

A young mum has been left worried for her children over a rat infestation at her Doncaster home.

25-year-old Natalie Dodds moved her young family into a new terraced property in November 2025 as part of a mutual exchange.

It is a St Leger Homes of Doncaster property.

However, the mum-of-two quickly discovered rats could constantly be found in the gardens of the terraced homes she’d moved to, originating from another property.

She said: “I asked the council what they were going to do and nothing’s really been said other than I would have to pay for it.”

After numerous calls and emails, Natalie said a housing officer from St Leger Homes visited the properties and informed her she would not be responsible for pest control and the issue was coming from a different property.

Natalie said this was around “three to four months ago” and nothing has changed since then. It has left her and her children unable to fully enjoy their home.

She said: “My daughter can’t even go outside and play. I have a one-year-old who can’t crawl around on the floor.

“It’s so stressful. So, so stressful… I’m so paranoid that we’re walking stuff in and [my one-year-old] is going to get hurt.”

Natalie said recent global news about an outbreak of hantavirus on a cruise ship, which news reports suggested came from rats, have worsened her fears for her children’s health.

During the lengthy wait for action on the rat infestation, Natalie has been forced to spend her own money in attempts to protect her kids.

She said she believed she’s spent between £50 and £100 on rat poison, plus costs of buying cleaning products to ensure the surfaces in her home are clean for the young children.

Jane Davies, director of housing and customer services at St Leger Homes, said: “We’re in contact with our customer and have been actively supporting them to address this issue as quickly as possible. Our understanding is that the source is linked to neighbouring privately owned properties.

“We are liaising with City of Doncaster Council’s Environmental Health Team, who are currently investigating the case, and we are in contact with Pest Control services, who have attended our customer’s home. We have also inspected the area to ensure alleyways are clear of rubbish to help minimise the risk of further issues.

“We will remain in close contact with our customer until the situation is resolved. The wellbeing of our residents is our priority.”

In her desperate attempts to get help, Natalie said she reached out to her local MP, Defence Secretary John Healey, but received no response.

“I’m literally begging him at this point to help me,” she said.

In a statement, the Rawmarsh and Conisbrough MP said: “No family should have to live with an ongoing rat infestation, and residents deserve to feel safe in their homes and to have concerns like this dealt with promptly. I’ve been in direct contact with St Leger Homes following the issues raised by residents, and I understand they have now looked into the situation.

“St Leger Homes have confirmed they’re working with Doncaster Council’s environmental health team and pest control services. Both teams have already attended the property and are investigating the issue further.”