Limerick is the fourth county in Ireland among the most infested by rodents

LIMERICK is the fourth most infested county in Ireland, according to a new report.

According to pest control provider Rentokil, Limerick accounted for 8% of rodent calls until now in 2018.

Dublin, with 32%, had the largest number of legends for rodents, while Galway (11%) and Clare (9%) were the next most affected counties for rats and mice.

Overall, Rentokil has seen a 34% increase in the number of rodent-related recalls this year – from January to October – compared to the same period in 2017.

The company attributes the increase in rodent activity to the combination of increased construction activity in the cities, favorable conditions during the summer, and a subsequent decline in temperatures. year.

The firm believes that the unprecedented warm summer period has created ideal conditions for the growth and multiplication of rodent populations. As this is the norm for the fall and winter months, rodent food becomes scarce and temperatures drop. The large population of rodents has already begun its move to the interior to seek refuge.

Rentokil predicts that rodent infestations will continue to increase and warns households and businesses against vigilance.

Environment officials were called to inspect a property in the city in August, following complaints about an influx of rats, likely linked to the recent dry weather wave.

"Rentokil has a sudden spike in rodent calls every year in the fall, as the rodent population begins to move indoors to escape the cold," said Dr. Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil.

"Notably, in 2018, this annual spike increased 45% and occurred a month earlier than the year before. Rodents have started moving in earlier and more inland, and we think this could be due to extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change. "

There are a number of signs to watch for that will indicate the presence of rats or mice in your home, Rentokil said. These include the presence of rodent droppings. Scratching noises at night on interior walls, under floor slats or in attics are also an indication of mice and rats. These two rodents also leave traces of grease or traces of grease on the walls when they pbad in front of them.