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Pesticide-Busting Brit Super Rats Spark Health Concerns

By Mat Probasco,  Newser Staff

Posted May 3, 2009 9:26 AM CDT

(Newser) – Britain's surging rat population is becoming immune to common poisons, spurring public heath concerns and calls for stronger pesticides, reports the Guardian. Rodents in at least two towns are impervious to normal control methods. In addition, years of mild winters and wet summers have boosted vermin populations by 66% in some cities.

Poison bait used to kill these rats in the 1950s won't work on many 21st century rodents, which are increasingly immune to pesticides.
Poison bait used to kill these rats in the 1950s won't work on many 21st century rodents, which are increasingly immune to pesticides.   (Getty Images)
Poisons used to kill this rat in London 30 years ago won't work on many of today's rodents, which are increasingly immune to pesticides.
Poisons used to kill this rat in London 30 years ago won't work on many of today's rodents, which are increasingly immune to pesticides.   (Getty Images)
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"We are very concerned about this from a public health point of view." - Oliver Madge, chief executive of the British Pest Control Association

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Rat hunting could end unemployment and vermin plague at the same time
Independent (South Africa)

 
rats • poison • Britain • pests • pesticide • pest control

 
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