Rats catch councils on the hop

17 January 2007

Local authorities are being urged to ensure their recycling initiatives do not further exacerbate the recent increase in rodent call-outs.
The latest National Rodent Survey reveals that call-outs in 2005 increased year-on-year by 13% for brown rats, 22% for summer rats, and 12.5% for mice.
The National Pest Technicians Association, which conducted the survey, partly attributed the surge to the growth in alternate weekly refuse collections and composting. Most compost bins, it explains, are being placed on soft ground, allowing rats to burrow into the bins from below.
Furthermore, the public are not being instructed on what not to place in compost bins, while household refuse stored within black plastic bins and overflowing wheelie bins causes another source of rodent food. ‘We believe no council should institute a fortnightly collection system where wheelie bins are not provided,’ the NPTA added. But the Chartered Institute of Wastes Management responded: ‘There is no analysis within the data to see if rodent call-outs are actually more frequent in local authorities using alternate weekly collections. Conclusions seem to be based on anecdotal evidence.’
Figures released by Worcester City Council also reveal there is no evidence to support claims that fortnightly refuse collections have led to an increase in the rat population. The local media had suggested the city’s rat population had grown since the council began the new system two years ago, but Worcester believes ‘it is clear no link can be made’ between the introduction of either the wheeled-bin service or fortnightly refuse collections.
The NPTA also blames the growing trend of councils charging for domestic rodent work, meaning more people are turning to DIY pest control without adequate knowledge. The report also states that 50% of brown rat infestations were caused by problems with drainage and sewerage systems.

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