Guidelines; pets and pests

CALL-OUTS TO deal with rodent infestations have tripled in the last week due to the cold weather, a pest-control company has said.

The current freeze has caused rats to seek shelter even more than they normally would in cold weather, Rentokil said. The company advised home and business owners to find ways of keeping the heat-seeking rats out of their buildings.

People should keep out unwanted pests by inspecting for cracks greater than a quarter of an inch and securing bins with bungee cords or weights, the Dublin Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advised yesterday.

The society also issued guidelines for pet owners who need to take extra care of their animals during the cold snap. Pets should be kept indoors and warm during extreme weather, it said.

Cat-owners were told to check under their car bonnet as cats sometimes take shelter in cold weather and could be killed or injured by the engine starting.

Despite the weather dogs still need to be walked but should be wrapped up, the organisation said.