The free service will be made available with costs being covered through existing rent payments made throughout the year.

To access the service, tenants must report problems relating to vermin by phone on 01324 506070 or via email to housingservices@falkirk.gov.uk.

Once a report is received, the contractor will attend normally within two working days, and start work to eradicate the infestation. In most cases, this can be done in up to three visits.

Councillor Gary Bouse, spokesperson for Housing said: “This new service is seen as a positive initiative by Falkirk Council as a landlord, and we are sure that its introduction will be welcomed by our tenants.

“The new service will be reviewed after 12 months as part of the 2024/25 rent review, and we will be speaking to tenants to get their views on the success of the scheme.

“We’d ask our tenants for their ongoing support in recycling correctly and full advice is available from www.falkirk.gov.uk/recycling.”

Contractor Contego Environmental Services Ltd will operate the service for an initial 12-month period.