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Eastern Health Authority reports rise in rat and mice complaints due to COVID-19

There has been a spike in complaints about rats, mice and other vermin in Adelaide homes – and it’s linked to people working from home during COVID-19.

An almost 40 per cent increase in rats, mice and other vermin complaints across Adelaide’s east is linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Eastern Health Authority.

There were 88 complaints, including pigeons and insect concerns, to the agency over the past financial year, compared to 65 in 2018/19.

Eastern Health Authority, a subsidiary of Campbelltown, Norwood, Payneham & St Peters, Prospect, Walkerville and Burnside councils, enforces public health and safety across the city’s eastern suburbs.

EHA chief executive Michel Livori said the “vast majority” of those complaints related to “domestic premises”.

There has been a spike in reports of rats and mice across Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. Picture: AAP/Vera Devai.
There has been a spike in reports of rats and mice across Adelaide’s eastern suburbs. Picture: AAP/Vera Devai.

“We think that one contributing factor for the increase is that with many people working from home, they are noticing more issues including vermin,” Mr Livori said.

Other increases included the keeping of animals (four to nine) and hazardous substances (four to nine).

However, reports of infectious diseases to the EHA dropped from 14 reports to eight over the past year.

More than 210 public health complaints were received for the past year, with 28 relating to physical distancing.

Meanwhile, the agency has outlined the impact COVID-19 has had on local businesses.

The pandemic restrictions resulted in the “temporary closure and also permanent closures” of food businesses, a September board report reads, with 215 closing over the past year.

It was an increase compared to previous years, the report read.

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Original URL: https://www.adelaidenow.com.au/messenger/east-hills/eastern-health-authority-reports-rise-in-rat-and-mice-complaints-due-to-covid19/news-story/a4fb6d279feb23f19ebee5bb045da2d7