Apr 17, 20203 min read

Rats on the Rise - Herefordshire Pest Control Watch

We’re hearing about, and seeing, an increase in rodent infestations so this week we’re looking at the possible reasons for this.

The continued restrictions imposed on the general public by the Government due to the Covid-19 pandemic are having a knock-on effect on many other areas of life and pest control is no different. We’ve looked at the reasons for the rise in rodent activity. With more people staying home to protect the NHS and save lives:

Householders are carrying out long over-due spring cleaning and DIY jobs but unfortunately as there are restrictions on movement the unwanted items, rubbish and debris cannot easily be disposed of at the local tip, charity shops or car boot sales. Often people are piling the waste up in the back garden which provides perfect harbourage for rodents.
More people at home all day creates more waste and particularly more food waste. We’ve all seen the tweets by frustrated parents of teenagers who seem to emerge only from their rooms to raid the fridge! Food waste can build up quickly and sit around for two weeks plus waiting for the local authority bin collections. This provides an ideal food source for rodents.
The weather has been great hasn’t it and we’re all grateful for the lovely sunshine but it has come off the back of weeks of appalling weather. Across Herefordshire flood waters were just starting to reduce when the good weather came in and the rodents were already being flushed out of the flood waters. Now householders are spending more time outside in the garden there’s a risk of allowing easy access for rodents into properties.
As the bins start to fill quickly, it doesn’t leave much space for garden waste and tips are closed so people are starting to compost more. And, compost provides an ideal environment for rodents.
Densely populated areas can quickly spread a rodent infestation. If one household in a street has a rodent infestation it can very quickly become a major problem for the rest of the householders in the street.

We reported recently that pest industry bodies are lobbying the Government to designate pest controllers are key workers. Until this happens, pest controllers are being very cautious about carrying out pest control and particularly pest management visits. Some pest control firms have temporarily shut up shop and this presents a significant problem in controlling rodent activity at key sites.

Essential food suppliers and services run the risk of a rodent infestation that could present a public health issue without ongoing preventative pest control measures.

PGM & SON Pest Control Hereford is aware of the importance of protecting public health. It is our job to protect homes and businesses from public health pests. Covid-19 presents a very real threat to public health and the most vulnerable in our community. Everyone has a responsibility to help protect the nation from the spread of the virus by following Government guidance; in particular, avoiding all unnecessary contact and practising social distancing. Pest control is a critical service supporting public health, however, the risks of spreading the virus need to be weighed against the risk of inadequate control and management of pest species.

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns either by emailing us at contact@pgmpestcontrol.co.uk or telephoning us on 01981 241334 / 07964 370480 so that we can help you to find a solution to your rodent problems.