We are contacting residents in areas affected by rats with an information leaflet explaining how to deter vermin from properties and gardens.

The council is also cutting back vegetation and removing rubbish in communities ahead of the winter months.

“There has been an increase in the numbers of rats and mice reported in communities across North Lanarkshire, particularly during the covid pandemic, and this is a similar situation in other areas of Scotland,” said Councillor Michael McPake, Convener of the Environment and Transportation Committee.

“The council has been tackling the issue directly and removed the fee for pest control services earlier this year to ensure all residents were able to use the service if they needed to.

“We are now working in areas most affected to cut back vegetation where rats and mice will nest, remove rubbish that has been dumped and talk to residents about action they should take to remove potential food sources.

“I would encourage residents to follow this advice as their action, combined with the work being carried out by the council, is the most effective way to deal with the issue.”

Rats are attracted to a food source, so residents should put all rubbish inside their household bins, keep the lids closed and store bins away from a fence or wall. If food is put out in gardens for wild birds, this should be cleared away at the end of each day. As rats only need a gap of 15 mm to get through, any gaps in house or shed walls and around pipes should be sealed.

Information is also available on the council’s web site, including a video.

Analysis of the reporting and sighting of rats and mice has identified the areas most affected are: Craigneuk, Wishaw; Carfin and Newarthill; Cringledyke and West Crindledyke; Holytown; Kirkwood and Kirkshaws; and Moodiesburn.