THE freezing weather conditions have led to an increase in rats entering people's homes in a Suffolk town.

Anthony Bond

THE freezing weather conditions have led to an increase in rats entering people's homes in a Suffolk town.

Ipswich Borough Council says it has noticed a 32% increase in requests for treatment for rats in the first week of this year compared to the first week of 2008.

The council says that because of the cold weather, rats are looking for food sources as well as warm places to live.

Steve Rock, Environmental Protection Manager at Ipswich Borough Council, said: “Obviously rats have been on the move and people have seen them more and reported them and therefore we have the increase. But it does not mean that the population of rats has suddenly exploded, it just means that they are moving around more.

“They are seeking places inside and they are looking for food a little more and being a bit more innovative in where they are looking for food.”

An Ipswich Borough Council spokesman added: “We have noticed a 32% increase in requests for treatment in the first week of this year compared to the first week of 2008. Due to the cold weather, rats are going to be on the look out for food sources as well as warm places to live.

“We recognise that many people will have had extra waste to dispose of over the Christmas and New Year period and it would be helpful if residents could ensure that any food waste is kept in lidded bins while awaiting collection. If householders think they have a problem with rats, treatment in Ipswich is free for domestic properties and can be arranged by contacting environmental services on 01473 433015.”