Loose food waste in bins risks attracting rats, experts warn

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 12 Oct, 12:30 · Archive

Leaving food waste loose in outdoor bins can attract rats, waste experts warn as the UK faces a potential rat plague this autumn.

Waste experts at Wheeldon Brothers are warning homeowners that leaving food waste loose in outdoor bins attracts rats. The warning comes as the UK faces a potential rat 'plague' this autumn following high temperatures in summer.

James Ward, a waste expert at Wheeldon Brothers, said that food scraps, leftovers and even small spills inside a wheelie bin can produce strong smells that attract rodents from surprisingly long distances. As temperatures cool, rats naturally seek dependable food sources for the autumn and winter months.

Ward said that once rats identify a reliable food source, they are likely to return repeatedly and may even begin nesting nearby if they have access to shelter. To keep rats away, homeowners should bag food waste properly, keep bin lids firmly shut, ensure bins do not overflow or become damaged, and leave no food waste next to bins. Food containers should be rinsed and bins cleaned regularly to remove food residue.

How it is being reported

• Simple kitchen mistake could attract rats amid UK ‘plague’ warningYou could be attracting rats to your home without realising it by making a simple kitchen mistake.Colchester Gazette · 12 Oct, 12:04
• Simple kitchen mistake could attract rats amid UK ‘plague’ warningYou could be attracting rats to your home without realising it by making a simple kitchen mistake.Echo (Basildon) · 12 Oct, 11:17

In this story: Wheeldon Brothers · James Ward · UK

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