Association says Basingstoke public is in 'danger' from rats

As previously reported, 50 residents living in Basingstoke town centre are calling on Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to take “urgent action” to deal with an “out of control” rat infestation, which has resulted in the rodents entering people’s homes.

They believe the problem stems from a rat nest in Glebe Gardens which has not been dealt with, resulting in the pests breeding at a “frightening speed”.

READ MORE: Rat infestation in Basingstoke is 'public health concern'

Now, John Horsley, technical support officer at the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says the Basingstoke public is in 'significant danger' from rats if the problem is not dealt with. 

The BPCA is the not-for-profit UK pest management association for the public health pest control industry.

Residents have called for the council to provide support from specialist pest control companies regulated and audited by the BPCA.

Mr Horsley said: “We understand the concerns of the local people in Basingstoke regarding rat infestations. BPCA has always been very clear about the risks of inadequate rodent prevention and control; when rats come into our homes, workplaces or other more high-risk sites, like hospitals and schools, they pose a significant danger to the health of the general public.”

Residents have reported seeing rats inside their homes, with some nesting in roof spaces and rotting in cavity walls.

SEE ALSO: Council working to tackle rat infestation in Basingstoke town centre

Mr Horsley said: “Rats communicate and mark their territory by urinating everywhere they go. They can carry many nasty diseases which can spread to humans, normally through rats’ urine or their body coming into contact with food preparation areas and spreading bacteria.

“These include leptospirosis (often referred to as Weil's disease), salmonella, listeria, toxoplasma gondii and hantavirus.

“They will also cause significant damage, as they have to gnaw things to keep their teeth in shape. Cinderblock, wood, metal, bone - rats’ teeth will take on pretty much any challenge.”

Offering advice to residents impacted by the rats, Mr Horsley said: “Our advice to them would be to proof their properties against pest ingress. A professional pest controller will be able to identify any possible points of entry and seal these up using the most appropriate materials.

“Without knowing what steps the council in Basingstoke have taken so far, it’s hard to comment. However, the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 requires all local authorities to keep districts free from rats and mice so far as is reasonably practicable.”

The borough council said it is working with residents to tackle the problem.

However, residents say the action taken has not been enough and it has become a “huge environmental health hazard”.

A spokesperson for the borough council said: "Following previous reports of rats around Glebe Gardens, our pest control contractor has been attending the site and the issue has been monitored by our environmental health team who have not identified a rat problem in Glebe Gardens. 

"We have also been proactively speaking to residents and supporting them with information on additional action they can take if they find rats near their property.  We have had no feedback from residents in response to the letter we sent to over 30 homes in the area in October but would again encourage residents to get in touch if they wish to discuss issues with us.

"In the wider town centre area, we have been making improvements to reduce rat activity, such as removing their access to litter bins, litter picking and cutting back overgrown vegetation.  

"Anyone identifying a problem with rats in their home or garden should approach a competent pest controller. The council provides a free rat treatment service for residents on means tested benefits.

"Businesses and other landowners also have a responsibility to make sure they are addressing issues in their locations.

"Being near parks and open spaces has many benefits including more visible wildlife such as birds and squirrels, but these environments are also home to less popular creatures such as rats. We encourage residents to remove food and water sources like bird feeders and pet food in their gardens and to keep on top of maintenance to reduce the likelihood of rats being attracted there."