Residents in Welwyn, Hertfordshire, are facing a significant rodent problem as hundreds of large rats have invaded their neighbourhood, leading to concerns about pet safety and property damage. Locals are reporting that the infestation has been ongoing for the past three years and appears to be worsening.
Paula Palacio, a 57-year-old carer living on School Lane, describes the distressing impact of the rats on her daily life. The presence of the rodents has not only damaged her property but has resulted in substantial financial costs. She stated that her Mercedes is currently undergoing repairs costing £6,000 as the rats chewed through important wiring and got trapped in the car's air filter. “Every household is impacted,” she reported, adding that she has set up 16 traps in her garden and uses pest control measures in her attempts to mitigate the invasion.
The distressing situation escalates as Palacio explains that her dogs have been vaccinated following incidents where they attempted to attack the rats. Moreover, a neighbour’s guinea pigs were reportedly killed by the marauding rodents. “There have to be hundreds and I can see three now,” she said, expressing her frustration at the ineffectiveness of conventional pest control methods.
Tom Dobson, another resident who has lived in the area for 15 years, echoed Palacio's concerns. He mentioned the frequent cleaning of rat droppings from his garden shed and shared a troubling experience involving his waste bin, which became a breeding ground for rats. “I stopped using my brown bin for a while because there were dozens of rats in the bin,” he recounted, indicating the deeply entrenched nature of the problem.
The residents claim that their complaints to Welwyn Council have not been adequately addressed, with Palacio alleging that a councillor mentioned the cost of eradicating the infestation as a barrier to action. According to her, while the council had indicated they would inspect homes, no substantial measures have taken place. Recently, she received a communication stating that the council would arrange for baiting near her property, but this has yet to be implemented.
In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson from Welwyn Council acknowledged that inspections had taken place in previous years and indicated that no specific attractants for the rats were found in their assessments. However, they confirmed plans for a baiting programme aimed at a nearby area showing signs of recent rodent activity, as well as a request for Thames Water to conduct a similar programme in the sewers serving School Lane.
The persistent rodent issue in Welwyn serves as an ongoing challenge for its residents, as they continue to seek solutions while grappling with the disruptions to their daily lives and the safety of their pets.
Source: Noah Wire Services