Don’t Feed the Rats your Food Waste

Over the last few weeks there has been a significant rise in reports of rat sightings and infestations across our County Borough.

Rats are known carriers of various diseases that can pose serious health risk to humans. Residents who still place food into the refuse bins instead of recycling it are unknowingly providing a food source for these pests and putting others at risk.

The Council is urging all residents to recycle food waste safely and responsibly by using a free lockable food bin. Request your bin today: merthyr.gov.uk/resident/bins-and-recycling

According to the British Pest Control Association (BPCA), rats can squeeze through a gap as thin as a pencil. Therefore, keeping rats out of a refuse bin is almost impossible. However, food recycling bins provided by the council safely lock when the handle is left in an upright position helping to keep pests out. Simply place all food waste into the free compostable liners provided by the Council and place the bags into your lockable food bin to keep pests away from your home and your bins.

Rats are opportunistic and will take advantage of any environment that provides easy access to food, water and shelter. They are attracted to:

• Rubbish bins
  Overflowing or poorly sealed bins.  Only put your household waste out on your scheduled collection days.  Cover your waste properly. Recycle your food waste correctly.
• Pet food
  Left outside or in a shed in open bags or bowls. Outdoor pets, such as guinea pigs, may attract rats via food in hutches and storage.
• Standing water
  Leaking hoses, dripping taps, clogged gutters, or trays under flowerpots. 
• Gardens
  Tall grass, woodpiles, and unused items provide hiding spots and shelter
• Bird feeders and food spillage
  Excess birdseed, especially left on the ground. 
• Compost heaps
  Make sure they are properly contained. 
• Drains
  Damaged drainage systems, such as breaks in pipes, can give them easy access from drainage systems to gardens and properties.
• Gaps in brickwork
  Defective vents or damaged brickwork can allow access to wall cavities.

Do your bit to keep our community clean and safe and help us reach our recycling targets in 2026.

For more information
Facebook: Merthyr Tydfil Recycles
Website: Bins and Recycling | Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council
Phone: 01685 725000

If you have a pest control issue only use approved, professional pest control contractors.

Pest Control: merthyr.gov.uk/resident/pests-pollution-food-hygiene/pest-control

Fly tipping Support: merthyr.gov.uk/resident/waste-recycling-fly-tipping

If you have any structural issue with your property, please contact your housing provider.