Millisle Beach: Rat poison bait 'last resort' as numbers spiral

Millisle Beach: Rat poison bait 'last resort' as numbers spiral

Arsenic is being used to exterminate the rats that have overrun a popular beach located in a well-known seaside village. Gareth Kinnear, a council official, emphasized that while this drastic measure is a “last resort,” the overwhelming presence of rats at Millisle Beach in County Down necessitated immediate action. One concerned resident noted that the dense vegetation along the shore provided ample hiding spots for the rodents and called for a resolution to the problem. In response to the escalating rat infestation, Ards and North Down council initiated a pest control program on Thursday, urging the public to exercise caution.

With the rat population spiraling out of control, beachgoers are urged to keep their dogs on leashes and monitor children closely. Informational signs have been erected to notify visitors, and council representatives will be on-site to interact with beach patrons in the coming days. Gareth Kinnear revealed that numerous complaints regarding the rats had been reported to the council recently. He acknowledged the reluctance in resorting to rodenticide but emphasized the necessity due to the unprecedented rodent numbers at the beach. The specific poison being utilized is deemed safe for outdoor use, with minimal risk of secondary poisoning.

Tracy Carson, a local resident actively involved in a community effort to clean up Millisle Beach, highlighted the neglect in trimming vegetation along the shore since 2019. This neglected foliage attracts litter and provides a conducive environment for rats to thrive. Carson expressed dismay at the deteriorating condition of the beach, which had previously been a picturesque tourist attraction. Council official Gareth Kinnear countered Carson’s observation, maintaining that the current vegetation did not seem adequate to sustain the record rat population. He surmised that factors beyond the overgrown plants contributed to the proliferation of rats on the beach.

Addressing concerns of poisoning, the council advises the public to leash all pets and exercise vigilance on the beach premises. Visitors are also urged to remove food waste promptly and refrain from feeding the avian population. In the event of accidental poisoning, individuals are instructed to seek immediate medical attention at the emergency department. Furthermore, pet owners should promptly consult a veterinarian in case of accidental poisoning among their animals. The council’s proactive approach includes measures to dispose of deceased rats upon sighting, emphasizing the importance of providing detailed location descriptions for appropriate action

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