2 December 2017
By Bryan Smyth
bryan@TheCork.ie
Health
The recent drop in temperatures will encourage rodents to move indoors
Ireland’s leading pest control provider Rentokil, is reporting that Cork is the second most rat-infested county in Ireland. The pest control experts predict that the number of rodent infestations in homes will continue to rise, as winter approaches, and the pests will likely continue to multiply. The company also noted that rat infestations in Ireland have increased by 38% between July and September this year, compared to the same period in 2016.
The top ten counties for rat infestations in Ireland in 2017 are:
– Dublin 32%
– Cork 12%
– Kildare 8%
– Kerry 6%
– Galway 6%
– Limerick 6%
– Meath 5%
– Wicklow 4%
– Cavan 3%
– Wexford 3%
Dr. Colm Moore, Area Technical Manager, Rentokil says: ‘During winter months, rodents like to base themselves somewhere warm, quiet and close to a source of food. If you can prevent rats you will also reduce the damage and health risks they cause. They can be very persistent and if rats gain access into your home or business they can spread disease, cause damage and contaminate food. One pair of rats shed more than 1 million body hairs each year and a single rat can leave up to 25,000 droppings. If you have already spotted signs of rats, such as droppings, prevention may already be too late. We would advise you to act quickly to get rid of them and prevent a large infestation.’
Seasonal change has more of an impact than climate, reports Rentokil. Rats, mice and other rodents do not hibernate during the winter months. Rats live in wilderness and domestic environments. Their winter habits remain consistent regardless of environment, but they do utilize different types of shelter depending on location. Cold weather requires insulation and shelter from the elements. During winter months, rodents like to base themselves somewhere warm, quiet and close to a source of food.
See Rentokil’s tips below on practical ways you can help to prevent a problem:
- Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids.
- Tidy inside the house and around the garden – less clutter means less places to hide.
- Put outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins with securely fitted lids to stop them feeding from contents.
- Clean up pet food and bird seed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids – preferably above ground level.
- Keep gardens free from debris. If you have a compost heap don’t include organic food waste, as this will attract them.
Rentokil has created a page, named “ What is the Difference Between a Rat and a Mouse” to help home and business owners identify which pest is invading their property.
