Residents of Welwyn, Hertfordshire, are grappling with an ongoing rodent infestation that they say is wreaking havoc on their homes and threatening the safety of their pets. Locals report that a substantial population of large rats has overrun their quiet neighbourhood, leading to significant damage and distress among homeowners.

Paula Palacio, a 57-year-old resident of School Lane, has voiced her frustrations regarding the situation. For years, she claims, the rat problem has intensified, particularly due to the village’s proximity to a forest. Palacio described her experience, saying the rats have caused extensive damage to her vehicle, with repairs totalling approximately £6,000 after they chewed through wires and became trapped in the engine filters. Additionally, she is now compelled to ensure her dogs receive vaccinations against potential threats posed by the rodents.

In an account shared with the Mirror, Palacio explained, “Every household is impacted – and some neighbours have been making their own poison whereas I have been using pest control and have 16 traps in my garden currently.” She lamented the ongoing nature of the issue, stating, “It’s been going on for three years, and rats have ruined my shed by gnawing their way in, and they have got in my neighbour’s shed and killed all of their guinea pigs and ruined their cars.”

The community’s frustration is palpable, and Palacio is not alone in her plight. Neighbour Tom Dobson, 50, has lived in the area for 15 years and has observed a worsening rat situation, attributing it to general neglect. Dobson remarked, “We have a garden shed which I clean out rat poop from on a weekly basis, and I have binned one shed. My brown bin, I stopped using for a while because there were dozens of rats in the bin jumping out as I wheeled the bin down the hill.” He expressed concern primarily over the damage caused by the rodents, rather than the rodents themselves.

In response to the escalating complaints, Welwyn Council has conducted multiple inspections, but according to a spokesperson, they did not uncover specific food sources or accumulations attracting vermin. The council has communicated with residents about preventive measures, including proper waste management and avoiding the use of bird feeders that might attract rats. The representative stated that they visited the area again and planned to implement a baiting programme in an area adjacent to Palacio’s property, where recent rodent activity was noted. They also intend to request Thames Water to conduct a baiting programme in the sewers servicing School Lane.

Despite the assurances, residents like Palacio feel that action has been lacking. She indicated that although the council mentioned plans to inspect homes and provide assistance, substantial progress has yet to materialise, leading locals to take matters into their own hands. Amidst pest control efforts and resident-led initiatives to combat the infestation, the rat problem remains a significant concern for the community.

Source: Noah Wire Services