Is it true that rat and mice infestations are on the up

A.� I'm afraid so. The mild winters of recent years have meant that the rodents continue breeding longer. The rat population is growing rapidly and is estimated to be over 70 million while the mouse population is way above that, not surprising when you consider that one breeding pair can produce around 2,000 offspring every year.

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They are increasingly a problem in our towns and cities as a result of discarded waste and foodstuff, particularly associated with fast-food outlets, the reluctance of water companies to spend money on clearing sewers of infestations and pest control cutbacks among local authorities.

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A.� Both rats and mice can live inside and out, but a sudden cold snap or flooding, which characterised last winter, combined with a lack of food drives them into homes which are not only warm but also have a ready supply of food.

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A.� Tell-tale signs are obviously nibbled food, but also holes appearing in cupboards and skirting boards (they are quite capable of chewing through wood or even the sealing around fridges). Other clues are droppings, grease marks and, unfortunately, small pools of urine.

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A.� An old trick is to sprinkle flour on the floor, leading away from the area the mice have been targeting and to then quite literally follow the trail until you find their point of entry.

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A.� In cases of serious infestations pest control companies will probably resort to chemicals as if just a handful of mice are left behind they can quickly breed and the problem can be just as bad within a month or so.

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However, there is evidence of a new breed of rodents that have become immune to the poisons on offer to the general public in shops and many of don't like the idea of having toxic substances scattered around the house, especially if young children are liable to come across them.

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