“There's a rat in mi kitchen what am I gonna do?” - well a county councillor of a Pembrokeshire village has vowed to work closely with the Local Authority to keep vermin that has been reported in residents’ gardens and homes at bay!

County councillor for the ward of St Mary Out Liberty (New Hedges) Cllr Rhys Jordan has been advising his constituents, after receiving reports of rats in residents' premises.

“While this can be deeply distressing, there are ways we can work together to reduce the issue, and I wanted to address this issue head-on,” remarked Cllr Jordan in an update on the matter.

“However, we must acknowledge that living in a semi-rural location with a watercourse running through it means that wildlife is an inherent part of our environment, but does present challenges.

“While we can't eliminate all wildlife, we can take proactive steps to reduce the presence of vermin around our homes.

“In the meantime, I am working closely with Pembrokeshire County Council to assist with the problem. If you have any concerns or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to reach out,” he added.

One resident pointed towards the flimsiness of the waste and recycling bins that the County Council expected households to leave out for kerbisde collection in ‘encouraging vermin’ stating: “It would help if all plastic bins were more secure, and if the bin men didn’t constantly throw them and crack them!”

Another stated that people littering had led them to spot ‘enormous’ rats on occasions.

Here are some ‘tips’ Cllr Jordan put forward to residents to help keep rats at bay:

1. Secure Bins - Ensure your bins have tight-fitting lids and are not overflowing.

2. Clean Up Food Waste - Dispose of food scraps properly and avoid leaving pet food outside overnight.

3. Seal Entry Points - Check for and seal any gaps or holes in walls, doors, and windows where rats could enter.

4. Maintain Gardens: Keep your garden tidy by trimming overgrown vegetation and removing piles of debris or wood.

5. Store Food Properly - Keep food in sealed containers, especially in garages and sheds.

6. Remove Standing Water - Fix leaks and avoid leaving water out, which can attract rats.

7. Use Traps and Baits - If you notice rat activity, consider using traps or bait stations to control the population.

8. Keep Compost Piles in Check - If you have a compost pile, make sure it's well-managed and doesn't attract pests.