More Rats In Bournemouth

The number of call-outs to rat infestations in Bournemouth has gone up by 22 per cent over the past 12 months. Council pest controllers alone treated 550 cases in 2009, compared with 450 in the previous year. These figures reflect the fact that the number of treatments is at its highest level since at least 2004.

Rats' urine and droppings can transmit diseases including Weil's disease, a form of Leptospirosis, if they infect human food.

Glynn Brand, from Brand Pest Control, which has a Poole office, said: "There's been an increase countrywide of around seven per cent, and over the past few years rats have been evolving and becoming resistant to poison baits. You can't force companies to use the more expensive second and third generation baits."

Bournemouth council offers free treatments for council tenants and charges other people £60. Nic Wedge, the council's pest control manager, said: "Sometimes one infestation can take up to anything between 6-10 visits before full eradication is achieved.

Rat sightings should be reported to the council by law. Bournemouth pensioner Paul Green recently found a rat in his wife's shower room. His wife Pauline, 85, has vascular dementia. "It rather shook me up," said 84-year-old Mr Green, a former regional company manager, from Cavendish Road, Dean Park.

Mr Green's block of flats is managed by Bourne Estates and he said he has complained several times about rat holes. Bourne Estates declined to comment.

If you spot a rat or think that you may have rats in your area, it is vital to tackle the problem early on and contact either your council's pest control service or contract the services from a local pest control company.

Article provided by Brand Pest Control