Pest control

The National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA) has revealed that we should prepare for a rat epidemic, with the rats population predicted to treble to 200 million in 2009.

So why is it on the increase?

• Compost heaps: People are creating a food source for the rats by adding food waste to compost.
• Fortnightly bin collections
• Mild winters
• Increase in fast food litter
• Mess and debris left beneath bird feeders

From 2006 to 2007 there was a 26% increase in callouts to pest control concerning problems with rodents, this then rose again by 36% from 2007 to 2008. With these figures in mind, what should we be doing to help prevent the problem escalating even further?

Top tips to prevent the rat epidemic

• Gardeners must check around ponds: A main water source for rats
• Clean bird feeders and the surrounding area regularly, if your bird feeder seems to be causing a real problem it may even be necessary to take it down at night.
• Use squirrel proof bird feeders
• Do not put meat on compost heaps
• Check decking regularly for mice and rat nests
• Drains and gutters must be cleaned regularly
• Keep household waste in sealed bins
• Dont leave pet food outside for great lengths of time
• Keep your shed tidy
• Visit Pest Control Blackburn for services for the North West, UK