A PEST control business has launched a “litter purge” to combat the rising number of rodents across UK cities.
The initiative by Pest Solutions will see staff members clearing rubbish from “problematic” areas to raise awareness about the health and social risks of litter buildup.
Research from Direct Line Home Insurance highlighted councils spending approximately £44m tackling pest issues per year, with hospital data showing several patients affected by rat bites in 2022/23.
Pest Solutions has called on the UK government to address the issue ahead of the general election on July 4.
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has backed the move, stressing its importance amidst the UK’s ongoing litter crisis.
Chris Cagienard, Managing Director of BPCA, called littering a “public shame” and warned of health risks if it isn’t tackled.
He said: “The litter on our streets is not only a blight on our society but it attracts Rats to our homes, businesses and playgrounds.
“As pest controllers, litter is one of our main challenges. Litter isn’t just unsightly; it is dangerous because it attracts rodents and other pests and makes getting rid of them even more difficult.
“I believe it is our public shame as a nation that littering is so prominent in our streets across the country and something must be done to combat this.
“By launching our litter awareness campaign, we want to encourage other businesses, local authorities and the next UK Government, to move this further up their agenda.
“If we don’t do anything to tackle this, people’s health and wellbeing will be put at risk, placing further pressure on our public services and local authorities.
“I look forward to talking to the incoming UK Government on this matter in the coming months as we look to make real societal change across the country by cleaning up our streets.”
Ian Andrew, BPCA CEO, added: “There is an inextricable link between litter and pests, that is clear. More rubbish, particularly food stuffs, supports pest activity, particularly rodent infestations.
“It’s not just an environmental matter, but a public health issue. Rats in particular carry many diseases which can be easily spread to humans.
“BPCA is fully supportive of Pest Solutions campaign and urges everyone to play their part in tackling the UK’s litter crisis.”
