Pest Control Must Be Supported, Environmental Expert Warns

Pest control is not being taken seriously enough in Northern Ireland and the lack of spending could lead to disease outbreaks.

That was the message from Gary McFarlane, the director of the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health in Northern Ireland.

He warned that councils are cutting costs by cutting out resources set aside to deal with vector and pest borne diseases.

Human body lice are linked with typhus, the common house fly carries E coli, and rats bring many diseases.

Mr McFarlane said that homeowners would not be able to cope with outbreaks as the cost of bringing someone in is "prohibitive" and licences are not required.

He said: "Apart from direct disease transmission, there are arguably also significant psychological effects as a result of living with pests, including anxiety and stress.

"Members of the public who may be unfortunate enough to suffer pest infestations within their homes, which in most cases is through no fault of their own, may have no option but to seek assistance from a private contractor.

"There is increasing evidence to suggest that pest populations are increasing due to urbanisation, changing climate and increases in activities such as fly tipping. With more families likely to be affected, cost will be prohibitive for something that is critical to maintaining adequate health standards."

Mr McFarlane called on councils and public bodies to do more, starting by regarding pests as a public health issue and offering support with pest control.

(NE/GK)