3 Jul 2009

Rodent numbers on the rise

12:04 pm on 3 July 2009

An increase in rats and mice is reported this winter.

Rentokil Pest Control reports an increase of 30% - 40% in the number of rat fumigation calls it has received across New Zealand this winter.

Wellington Regional Council says a warm summer and early cold winter may be driving them out of the bush and into urban areas.

It says the warm summer led to an increase in fruit on bushes and trees - meaning an increase in the food supply for rats.

The council says more rat bait is being laid and more bait is being eaten, which suggests there has been an increase in rat numbers.