IRISH tourists are being warned of a rodent infestation that’s hit some areas of Spanish holiday destination Malaga.
Popular hotspots, including Churriana, Haza de Cuevas and Parque de Huelin, are struggling with the unwanted visitors.
Locals have reported seeing the rodents running among children’s feet in playgrounds.
Weather chiefs have suggested the infestation is a result of soaring temperatures.
Maria del Carmen Aguilar told SUR media: “We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children (in the Parque de Huelin).”
Local Councillor Penélope Gomez discussed how the issue could be effecting many places in Europe.
She said the environment department will triple their budget to deal with the infestation.
Gomez added: “We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children [in the Parque de Huelin].”
Local Councillor Penelope Gomez discussed how the issue could be effecting many places in Europe.
She said the environment department will triple their budget to deal with the infestation.
Gomez added: “We are afraid because the rats run between our feet, as happened last week to one of the children [in the Parque de Huelin].”
Over the weekend a flight from Oslo to Malaga was forced to make an emergency landing after a live rodent was discovered in a meal.
Rats are the top pest threat that premises and businesses need to be aware of due to the significant damage they can cause to properties and assets.
Rats spend extended periods every day grinding down their teeth on surrounding objects, and as a result, they can chew through utility lines, electrical wires, and other key infrastructure.
Signs of rat activity to be aware of include droppings, scratching noises, and footprints.
It comes as Rentokil Ireland has issued advice on gull droppings to the public with nesting season over.
Steps to prevent the presence of gulls
Removing food sources:
Secure bins with a well-fitting lid and avoid leaving rubbish bags in the open.
Blocking potential roosting sites:
Use barriers over window ledges or other potential roosting spots.
Consider decoys:
Deploy fake birds of prey as deterrents in conjunction with the above steps.
Gull droppings (also known as guano) present a hazard as they can contain bacteria including E. coli and Salmonella, which can spread infection through surface contamination or inhaling bacteria from dried droppings.
Area Technical Manager with Rentokil, Colm Moore, said: “While the summer season has passed, gulls continue to search for food and can remain territorial.
“It is important to stay vigilant and implement preventive measures to minimise potential risks.”
