UK: Experts warn of an increase in the number of rats in cities
According to reports, pest control companies are facing a record number of rat infestations due to frequent changes in the weather. Rising temperatures have increased reproduction, while flood burrows have driven the rodents into homes across the country.
The temperate climate allows more rodents to live, and the long hot summer creates ideal conditions for young mice and rats to leave the nest and reproduce quickly.
In the fall and winter, rain and cooler temperatures cause rats and mice to migrate inland where there is more food and shelter.
With rain, mice usually move out of their burrows and enter them.
Signs of a rodent problem include an unusual ammonia-like odor, small, dark droppings, greasy marks on walls or baseboards, and gnawing marks.
Hot, rainy weather creates a perfect storm for mice (Image: Getty)
Hot, rainy weather creates a perfect storm for mice (Photo: NC)
Feeling scratches, especially at night, is also a sign of rats and mice, and their nocturnal nature means they can still be hiding before you start to suspect they have invaded your home.
In recent weeks, there has been an increase in the number of mice seen on the streets due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Last week, shoppers were horrified and disgusted after rats crossed a road near the local Iceland in Wolverhampton.
Gemma Ormi, 43, who was shopping with her son, photographed the mice but said she didn’t show how many mice there were.
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Weather creates a perfect storm for mice (Image: Getty)
He said, “I’ve seen rats in Bilston before, but not many!
“The video clip doesn’t show them all.”
Wolverhampton City Council said the mice were lured by throwing food on the ground to feed the birds.
During the coronavirus pandemic, the suburban rat population has soared due to the closure of bars and restaurants.
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In late July, London was warned of preparations for a rat infestation after a woman was attacked by more than 100 rodents in a park.
The horrific incident reportedly occurred on July 19, when Susan Treftab was walking in Blondin Park in Ealing.
Mrs. Triftap claimed that the animals rushed towards her in front of them, though fortunately she came out unscathed.
Last month, it was reported that ‘cat rats’ were stalking the streets in North Belfast due to the overgrown alley.
Hot, rainy weather creates a perfect storm for mice (Image: Getty)
In February, the Belfast Telegraph reported that the city’s rat population had increased by 25% in just 12 months.
When asked about the unusual story, Paul Blackhurt, president of the Technical Academy of Pest Control at Rentokil, said the health risks associated with mice should not be underestimated.
He told Express.co.uk: “It is worth noting that the mouse is a wild animal and if it is threatened with capture or trampling, it can react by biting in a way to defend itself.
Rodents play a role in the transmission of many pathogens to humans.
Rat infestation in the UK (Image: Getty)
“One of the biggest threats is that mice carry leptospirosis, which can cause Weil’s disease in humans if they are bitten or come into contact with rodent urine.”
The bacterial illness can cause 2 to 4 mild to severe flu-like symptoms, including headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.
The risk of Weil’s disease is very low, Blackhurt said, although it gets worse in moist environments.
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