Super-mouse fears spark policy U-turn (From This is Hampshire)

Super-mouse fears spark policy U-turn

8:08am Tuesday 14th July 2009

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FEARS that a tough breed of super-mouse, resistant to poisons, could develop locally have led Test Valley Borough Council to change its policy and provide mice treatment for all.

As of Monday, Test Valley residents will be able to ask the council for assistance with the control of rodents, whatever their circumstances. An upsurge in demand for treatment originally led the council to limit its pest control services but fears have been raised that people have been dealing with the problem themselves.

Council cabinet member Sandra Hawke said: “We took the decision to limit our service following an unprecedented increase in the demand for the council’s free rodent treatments during 2007 and early 2008.

“While about half of the enquiries received by the council in the last half of 2008 were referred to private pest control contractors, these companies did not see an equivalent rise in enquiries. “We were concerned that residents were trying to deal with infestations themselves or that they are doing nothing about them. This could mean that rodents would become resistant to treatments or that infestations would increase,” she added.

“We can now offer a service to the public at a charge broadly in line with other authorities of £39 per treatment.

“Of course we will continue to provide free service to the most vulnerable residents and those who live adjacent to open land where they may be at increased risk of infestations. “This is a very sensible approach and I am pleased that we can now introduce this change.”

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