Mid and East Antrim area pest problems increase during crisis period

Seventy-three requests for pest control have been made to the council, from March 23 until May 5, compared to 19 for the same period of time last year.

A council spokesperson said there has been a “marked increase in the number of requests for pest control and advice since the beginning of the Covid-19 lockdown period”.

The local authority says that it does not provide a pest treatment service but offers advice on control and prevention measures.

Mid and East Antrim is encouraging householders to take simple steps to prevent a pest problem and has warned that statutory action can be taken if owners and/or occupiers fail to take adequate measures to stop their properties becoming infested with rats.

In addition to storing rubbish and animal foodstuffs properly, residents are advised to ensure any waste pipes, air vents and central heating pipes, are secured in order to prevent pests such as mice or rats from entering property.

Drains and manholes should be covered and intact, while household waste should be stored in a wheelie bin.

it is common practice for leaflet drops to be carried out by the council in areas where problems have been reported.

The council spokesperson stated “We would continue to encourage all our residents to take care with the storage of waste and to take action to repair and maintain any point of entry which pests can use to get inside their homes, such as pipes and vents.

“During the reporting period, more people have been at home and we have seen an increase in the amount of household waste being produced.

“We have reopened our household recycling centres to cope with this increase and we want to thank all our citizens who have been following the social distancing and public health measures while using our facilities.

“We would continue to urge anyone who requires advice on common pests to contact Council’s Environmental Health Service on 028 25 633394 or [email protected].”

Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter.

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