A dramatic rise in the number of rats and mice in the Ongar and North Weald area is being tackled by pest control officers.

Last year there were nearly 1,500 appeals for help to control rats in the Epping Forest district, a figure which reflects a steady increase over the last three years.

In addition, there were 360 alarm calls to control mice and 1,619 over wasps. Officers dealt with a total of 688 cases in addition to supervising 3,628 others handled by the council's contractor.

A report to the council says: "Rats, mice, cockroaches, bed bugs and fleas are known vectors of disease.

"The provision of advice to the public on the identification and public health significance of rodents and insects is an important element in the prevention of infection.

"Rodent and insect pests infest crops and foodstuffs, cause damage to buildings and their services and ruin textiles and fabrics."

The council is appealing to residents to be on the alert for pests and to report them immediately.

There is no charge to deal with rats, mice and cockroaches but council contractors charge £39.95 to tackle wasps, bees, fleas and bed bugs, although there are concessions for pensioners.

Environmental services assistant head Max Edgar told the Gazette: "The problem recently has been the succession of mild winters enabling the pest population to multiply: rats and mice are prolific breeders.

"There is no need for alarm but anyone spotting a rat or mouse should alert us as quickly as possible. Similarly, there's no need to panic about wasps unless, perhaps, they're in the house."

Mr Edgar says that leaving food for pets or birds lying around attracts the brown rat, which is the largest pest. Rubbish should be carefully controlled and put in dustbins rather than be left in plastic bags which can be gnawed open.

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