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Community Support Needed To Address Rat Problem

2 August 2024

Diss Town Council is urging all residents and visitors to help address a growing rat problem by refraining from feeding wildlife in the town centre. While we appreciate the fondness many have for our local wildlife, it is crucial for the health and safety of our community that we all work together to manage this issue.


Recent observations have shown that feeding wildlife at Mere’s Mouth and Madgett’s Walk is inadvertently contributing to an increase in the rat population in this area. Rats are attracted to food left out for birds and other animals, and over time, this can lead to various public health and environmental issues.


“Our wildlife is an important and cherished part of our community, but we must balance this with maintaining a safe and healthy environment for everyone,” said Sarah Villafuerte-Richards, Town Clerk. “By not feeding the wildlife, we can significantly reduce the availability of food for rats and help control their population.”


The Town Council is working with a pest control company who are monitoring the area regularly and implementing measures to tackle this issue. We are grateful to local businesses who are taking proactive measures by installing their own rat bait boxes.  However, the success of these efforts also relies heavily on community cooperation.


We encourage residents and visitors to enjoy the town’s wildlife responsibly by observing from a distance and not leaving food out in public spaces. This small change can make a significant difference in managing the rat population and protecting both human and animal health.


Thank you for your understanding and support.

Community Support Needed To Address Rat Problem
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