Irish homeowners warned of influx of rats over the Christmas period
Pest control experts fear rodent infestations could rise sharply over the coming weeks and have urged the public to keep an eye out for any signs of mice and rats
Irish homeowners have been warned that they could see an influx of rats over the Christmas period.
Rentokil, Ireland’s leading pest control provider, have reported significant increases in rat-related calls over the festive period. And they expect to be very busy over the coming weeks and months, as rodents enter homes in search of food, shelter and warmth.
Speaking on the The Rentokil Expert Talk Podcast, Advanced Technical Field Consultant Richard Faulkner said that due to milder weather conditions, more baby rats and mice are surviving each generation and the population is growing.
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They are also extremely smart little creatures, and learn to adapt to our habits and behaviors, making them more adept at surviving.
Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager with Rentokil, commented: “Christmas presents unique pest challenges. Attics, lofts, garages, boxes of decorations, and warm homes can provide the perfect environment for pests seeking shelter and food.
"Following simple preventative measures, people can protect their homes from pest infestations and enjoy a pest-free festive season. People can learn more at our website or follow the below pest-proofing tips for Christmas.”
Rentokil says a rat can produce up to 40 droppings a night, and are often found in the corners of rooms or boxes.
And rats and mice in your home or business are not just unpleasant, unwanted guests - they can bring in diseases, cause damage to your property and even chew through wires, posing a fire risk as short-circuits spark behind walls and in attics and crawl spaces.
Telltale signs of rodents to watch out for include shredded loft insulation, chewed items or concentrations of droppings, which look like large brown spindles.
Rentokil’s top tips to avoid a rat infestation over the festive season include:
Open boxes of decorations outside and inspect them for any signs of insects or rodents, before bringing them indoors. When finished with them, store them in a sealed storage box, ready for next year.
Inspect your tree carefully before you bring it indoors, as both real and artificial Christmas trees can be perfect nesting place for insects. Shake your tree vigorously outdoors so that any insects or their eggs are shaken loose.
If you have edible treats such as gingerbread people, chocolate coins, and candy canes as Christmas tree decorations, then be sure to keep an eye on them to check they have not been nibbled, or better still avoid using them altogether.
Ideally, keep sweets, chocolate and other festive edibles in sealed containers.
Clean up all Christmas dinner leftovers, food debris, and spillages to prevent a potential food source for rodents and insects.
Keep foodstuffs in metal or glass containers with tight fitting lids and put outdoor rubbish bags in metal bins, with securely fitted lids, to stop pest insects or rodents from feeding on the contents.
Dispose of any clutter in the form of Christmas gift wrapping and packaging, to limit potential hiding places for pests.
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