HOUSEHOLDERS in Malvern are being urged to keep rats away from their property this autumn by reining in their rubbish.
Overflowing bins and bags of refuse left outside act as a strong magnet for vermin – particularly when the weather turns colder.
And the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says those who ignore basic precautions are effectively delivering an open invitation to vermin.
Simon Forrester, chief executive of the national trade body, 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.
“Bin bags are even more of an issue as they’re basically a mobile home for rats – a natural warm environment with food and water supplied.
“Householders must therefore be ‘pest aware’ and mindful of what can happen by failing to take simple preventative measures.
“Everyone has a responsibility to minimise pest problems because once the source of the issue is eventually taken away, the pests will look for food and shelter elsewhere – perhaps inside the nearest home or business.”
