Pest association warning over rats

The British Pest Control Association has warned that overflowing bins and rubbish bags left outside may be a strong magnet for vermin as the weather gets colder.

Chief executive Simon Forrester said: ‘Rats, mice and other pests are always searching for food, water and shelter during the autumn and winter and they can find all three in and around bins overflowing with rubbish.

‘Rotting left-overs or half-empty food containers will attract a number of unwanted visitors if they’re not discarded carefully or if bin lids are not closed properly.’

The BPCA also warned the problem of overflowing bins is likely to become even more acute in areas where the frequency of household collections is reduced.

Three-weekly collections have been introduced in several areas and some local authorities are even experimenting with a monthly regime.

The policy is designed to cut costs, reduce landfill and encourage recycling, but Mr Forrester said it will lead to more problems than it solves.