Ratting on the Rats
Date of Release: Tue 13th February, 2007
FOLLOWING a report by national pest controllers, Charnwood’s record for rodents’ is on the down turn for the treatment of the ‘ratty’ problems.
Statistics from Charnwood Borough Council’s Environment Health department today (Tuesday, 6 February) reveal that the instances of rat treatment in the Borough have dropped from 1,076 in 2001 to 896 in 2006.
Charnwood's Environmental Health Lead Member, Betty Newton said: "In the past our rubbish collection resulted in black rubbish bags of kitchen waste and all sorts lying on the street awaiting collection. Now all kitchen waste and other attractions for vermin are contained in closed bins, which is, recommended as the best way to prevent rats problems.
“We are also already directly tackling each of the main contributors to rat increases sited in the report, including not charging for dealing with rat problems.”
The National Pest Technicians Associated report highlights six main contributors to the overall national increase in the rodents since 1998. These include:
· Private water companies who do not pay sufficient attention to clearing any reservoirs of Brown Rats from the sewers they are responsible for;
Cllr Newton, added: “This is something we are working to lobby the private water companies on and in Charnwood seems to be working thanks to our partnership approach.”
· The overfeeding of wild birds and therefore a 24/7 source of rodent food;
Cllr Newton: "If residents wish to feed wild birds we would advise they avoid putting out too much food and clear up any surplus food scraps left lying around the garden."
· Both litter, discarded food and containers from fast food outlets and the national increase in fly tipping providing food and shelter;
Cllr Newton: “Our Street Wardens and Zero Waste Strategy will contribute to reducing the litter and fly tipping which will further reduce the food and shelter for rats in Charnwood.”
· Compost bins not used correctly and allowing rats in particular to get inside and find both food and shelter;
Cllr Newton: “We are investing in an awareness campaign linked to a national initiative to encourage people to use compost bins correctly. Our brown bins and green cones are designed to help prevent this type of problem in Charnwood.”
· Derelict urban properties not being brought back into accommodation again providing shelter.
Cllr Newton: “Our Housing Service is vastly improving to ensure that our void properties are turned around before this can become a problem.”
· That more Council are starting to charge for domestic rodent work resulting in more rodents not being treated as before;
Cllr Newton: “Charnwood Borough Council has never, and has no plans, to charge for treating rat problems.”
Cllr Sandie Gough, Cabinet Member for Environment added: "Since we introduced on-the-spot fines for bags of waste left on streets, as part of the new Cleaner Neighbourhoods Act, we have seen a dramatic reduction in ‘side waste’, which encourages rodents.
“I'd also like to remind householders to keep their bin lid closed, and recycle as much as possible, to ensure the bin has enough room for the residual waste. Charnwood Borough Council staff will happily talk to anyone with special needs, but ultimately for the sake of neighbours, we need to stamp out the unsocial habit of leaving bags of waste in the street.”
