Community News – Rats

    A rapid increase in the rat population has been identified during the lockdown.

    With shops, offices, and other workplaces closed due to Covid restrictions, rats are said to be on the rampage, establishing nests in domestic and commercial properties for warmth and food. Experts say that during the pandemic rodent numbers have increased beyond anything seen before. 

    Rats are canny creatures and can navigate through very small spaces. Once settled, their ability to reproduce is remarkable. 

    However there are measures that can be taken to minimise any infestation:
     

    • With food waste  make sure unwanted food stuff is put in a secure bin, preferably a metal bin with a sealed lid.
    • Check around buildings for gaps in bricks and mortar and seal them up.
    • Check moveable ceiling tiles, office ceilings are a favourite for nesting for rodents.
    • Block off spaces in gardens, under sheds and decking.
    • Keep a close eye on the amount of food put out for birds to avoid rats becoming unwanted guests at the bird table.
    • Declutter inside and out, the more clutter, the more places for rats to hide and nest.

    Above all else, tackle signs of an infestation early on. 


     

    More from Community & Charity News

    • Wheelie Bins

      Somerset Council and its waste collections contractor SUEZ are urging people not to put gas canisters in kerbside recycling bins.

    • Bus Route Changes

      Changes to Somerset bus routes have been made with new stops added and times revised.

    • Adrian Dening's Stars Over Somerset

      Monday 18th to Sunday 24th August 2024

    • Courier Fraud

      Avon and Somerset Police are asking jewellers, taxi and private vehicle hire drivers, for help with tackling so-called courier fraud.

    • False Fire Alarms

      Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service says it’s dealing with an increase in false alarm calls.

    • Dog DNA

      Avon and Somerset Police are encouraging dog owners to protect their pets from theft by entering their details into a DNA doggy database.

    • Mobile Phones in Vehicles

      Somerset County Council’s road safety team is working with partners to urge drivers to keep their fixed eyes on the road.

    • Car Free Route

      The Curry Rivel Active Travel Group has been working for several years to create a link within the village to a planned car-free route across the Somerset Levels

    Today's Weather

    • Yeovil

      Sunny intervals

      High: 22°C | Low: 9°C

    • Chard

      Sunny intervals

      High: 21°C | Low: 9°C

    • Crewkerne

      Sunny intervals

      High: 21°C | Low: 9°C

    • Somerton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 22°C | Low: 9°C

    • Wincanton

      Sunny intervals

      High: 22°C | Low: 9°C