Hundreds of rodent pest call-outs in Nottingham this year with warning of winter increase – Nottinghamshire Live

Pest control teams have dealt with 680 cases involving rodents in Nottingham over the past year as advice is given to be on the look out for signs of an infestation.

A national trade body is urging householders and businesses in Nottinghamshire to be aware as rats and mice head indoors for winter.

British Pest Control Association (BPCA) warned people to remain vigilant as Covid-19 restrictions remain in place across England.

Evidence of a surge in rodent activity during the previous lockdown, combined with the likelihood of colder weather driving rats and mice indoors, could prompt a further surge in pest problems, the Association warned.

During the UK-wide Covid-19 lockdown in spring, BPCA members reported a 51% hike in rodent activity.

Last month, 78% of pest controllers polled reported increased rat sightings, with 63% noting a rise in mouse-related incidents.

Natalie Bungay, BPCA Technical Officer, said: As temperatures begin to drop and food becomes scarce, rats will begin looking for shelter and scraps in more urban locations. And as autumn and winter push on, rats start to head indoors.

Rats and mice do not hibernate and are a problem all year round. House mice are already living in and around wherever we are. But as the weather gets colder, field mice currently surviving outdoors will look for warmer places to nest and begin to move indoors too.

They are highly adaptable and wont hesitate to take advantage of a warm place to nest during the winter months.

Natalie added: In these unprecedented times, we need to ensure that effective pest management is implemented.

As designated key workers, the professional pest management sector is working hard to protect homes, as well as key areas including healthcare environments such as hospitals, the food manufacturing industry, and farms too.

Rodents and many other pests carry and transmit diseases, and can breed at an alarming rate if left unattended.

They contaminate food, ruin stock, and can even cause fires and floods with their gnawing.

Proactive pest management is the best way we can manage the risks to public health and safety.

A Nottingham City Council spokesperson told Nottinghamshire Live: Our pest control officers have dealt with 680 cases involving rodents over the past year.

"Theres a range of things people can do to try to prevent infestations in or around properties, including removing or securely storing food sources, clearing overgrown vegetation and rubbish from gardens and repairing holes in walls, missing drain covers and other defects.

"If anyone thinks they have an infestation of rats and mice, we offer commercial and domestic pest control services which can be booked on our website http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/pestcontrol.

BPCAs website includes an A-Z of pests which outlines the habits and lifecycles of different species along with signs of an infestation and the dangers they can pose - including the spread of disease and damage to property.

An online guide about rats at bpca.org.uk/rats, has helpful information on identifying an infestation and offers advice on when to call in the professionals.

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Hundreds of rodent pest call-outs in Nottingham this year with warning of winter increase - Nottinghamshire Live