A garden in a property whose owner is absent was so overgrown that a car and a boat were found amid the vegetation.
An environmental health team went in to clear the property in Burnham-on-Sea, Somerset, as the vegetation was attracting "rats and vermin".
The team went in after the council took the unusual step of going through courts to obtain a warrant under the Public Health Act after the property owner couldn't be found.
The garden was cleared by Sedgemoor District Council Clean Surrounds Team and bait was put out for rats and vermin.
But underneath the mass of brambles and weeds, the cleaning team found a car and a boat.
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Council spokeswoman Claire Faun says: "Staff from Sedgemoor District Council's Environmental Protection Team had received complaints in Burnham-On-Sea about an unoccupied neighbouring property with an extremely overgrown garden.
"The bramble cover was attracting rats and vermin, as well the overgrown vegetation growing into nearby properties.
"After months of trying to the track down and contact the absent owner, the team applied to the courts for a warrant under the Public Health Act and alongside pest control staff, they examined the property.
"The garden has been cleared by Sedgemoor's Clean Surroundings Team and bait was put out for the rats.
"Underneath the mass of brambles and weeds, the cleaning team found a car and a boat."
Neighbours said there has been "a significant improvement in rat activity" and added they are grateful for the council's help.
