Members of a citizens’ group, the Barclay Bench Neighbours, recently hosted an educational event targeted at rat reduction.
The event was held on Sunday.
Organizers Pati Hill, Sheryle and Nelson McGillis received a $500 neighbourhood grant from the Community Foundation of the South Okanagan.
Hill said while many people acknowledge a rat problem in Summerland, many others do not want to acknowledge the existence of rats in the area. She said there is a lack of knowledge about how rats live and how to reduce their populations.
Homeowners were encouraged to eliminate key rat attractants such as food, water and shelter.
Common food sources are uncontained garbage and compost bins, fallen fruit and nuts.
Rats also find a year-round, high quality food source in the spillage from bird feeders.
Birders are aksed to feed only in winter and very early spring to reduce availability of this unintended food source.
The group has assembled rat-trapping kits, which are being circulated through area yards on three-week loans.
Comprehensive trapping and sanitation tips are provided in print format along with encouragement and support from experienced members.
The rat reduction project was also created to serve as a model for other Summerland neighbourhood organizations focused on diminishing the serious problems related to exponentially increasing rat populations.
Any Summerland group interested in hosting a similar educational event is encouraged to contact Hill weekdays during business hours at 250-494-0770.
