Reduce the risk of pest infestations

There has been an increase in rat infestations reported across the country over the past 18 months, while we have been living through COVID-related lockdowns.

There are several reasons for this; rats live near to their food sources, so when food businesses shut in lockdown, they were forced into residential areas in order to survive. People have had to eat all of their meals at home, leading to an increase in rubbish produced, providing rats with both shelter and food in suburban areas.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA), which represents 700 vermin catchers across the country, said its members reported a 51% increase in rodent activity during the first lockdown, and a 78% increase in November after another lockdown was brought in.

There are steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of pest infestations. Take a look at some of the tips below:

• Safely secure food in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids
• Check that access points, such as air vents, are properly sealed
• Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store any pet or bird food in robust containers with fitted lids – preferably above ground level
• Tidy inside the house and around the garden – less clutter means fewer places to hide
• Put outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids
• If you have a compost heap, don’t include food waste, as this will attract them.

Some bin collections have been delayed or missed due to a shortage of workers – if your bins haven’t been collected, you should contact your local council.

If you spot the signs of a rodent infestation, don’t ignore it – the best thing to do is contact us as soon as possible.