Floodwaters push rats out of their homes, into ours
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A STARK warning about the potential onslaught of vermin such as rats and mice has been issued following the flooding.
Householders have been told to be especially aware of the spiralling population of rats which will be attracted to homes as they seek refuge from their water-logged habitats.
Pest control company Rentokil said that even before the recent floods, vermin have been on the increase due to a "population boom" put down to favourable temperatures, among other factors.
"Rodents breed throughout the year. They will have a population boom in the spring and also in the autumn so this boom is a big one," technical manager Dr Colm Moore said.
"Flooding would cause, and has caused in the past, the migration of rodents. You have to think where they are living, in the wild and in burrows and if there is flooding, it brings them out from their homes and into ours."
Homeowners have been advised to check their homes for potential entry points and ensure that debris is not built up.
"Not only do you have the stress of dealing with a flood, you also have the stress of dealing with a few furry friends," Dr Moore said.
- Shane Hickey
Irish Independent
