Vermin in Scotland are getting braver and bolder

There has been a significant spike in rat and mice activity as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, acccording to a survey by a national trade body.
Lockdown has made vermin like this young brown rat braver, bolder and more innovative in their quest for food.Lockdown has made vermin like this young brown rat braver, bolder and more innovative in their quest for food.
Lockdown has made vermin like this young brown rat braver, bolder and more innovative in their quest for food.

Conducted by the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), 51 per cent of pest professionals polled reported an increase in rat activity, while 41 per cent reported an increase in mice activity since lockdown restrictions started.

Empty buildings, deserted streets and reduced footfall provide an ideal opportunity for rodents to thrive, with rats and mice seemingly becoming bolder, braver and more innovative in finding food and shelter in the shutdown.

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Natalie Bungay, BPCA technical officer, said: “We’ve had reports of rats and mice infesting empty buildings and it seems their lifestyle patterns are changing.

“Rats in particular are becoming more visible.

“With less footfall across cities and towns there is less associated food waste being left in bins and on the floor.

“As a result, rat populations are likely to move further afield to satisfy their need for a food source and this, in turn, is likely to cause more sightings.

“By nature, rats will try to avoid humans directly.

“But, with less of us walking the streets, they may be getting a little bolder and possibly be seen in areas they normally wouldn’t.”

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However, members of the BPCA are working to manage the issue.

Natalie added: “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.

“Rodents and other pests carry and transmit diseases and can breed at an alarming rate. Pro-active pest management is the best way we can manage the risks to public health and safety.”

To find a professional company visit the website bpca.org.uk.

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