Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/933296
8 News MARIA PACE EXCESSIVE waste, over-popula- tion, and overbearing construc- tion are creating the perfect envi- ronment for rats to thrive in. There has always been a rat population in Malta, but the es- calating increase of overpopu- lation is increasing infestation around the island, says expert Arnold Sciberras. Sciberras is an exterminator, pest controller, naturalist, and overall rat enthusiast. "I have nature at heart," said Sciberras, who became a pest controller when he realised he could make a difference and con- serve the environment by con- trolling pests. He has attributed Malta's in- creased rat population to three major factors: overpopulation, waste, and increased construc- tion and buildings. "Rats can be found where waste is abundant. This is why reports of infestations in areas like Maghtab and Mqabba are frequent. Waste is, however, in- creasing all over the island, and people often leave their rubbish outside during the night, increas- ing the chances of rats in the ar- ea." Rodents are distributed every- where but differently across the Maltese island, Sciberras said. "The urban areas that I've dealt with where rodent infestation is high are Mqabba and Maghtab, but also Valletta and Sliema. In these areas, rats may occur by the thousands." The excessive increase of con- struction and buildings are also affecting the number of rats found in Malta. Rats are on the rise due to the reckless construc- tion all over the island. "Sometimes, they don't take into consideration the small de- tails," Sciberras said. "They miss proofing methodologies which would decrease rat infestation, like covering small holes and crevices." Construction also causes leak- ages, excess sewage and overall waste which attract rats to the area. The increase of housing results in lack of sewage space, leading rats to find shelter else- where. Very high buildings re- duce the amount of sunlight in streets, creating dark environ- ments. "We are creating the per- fect environment for noctur- nal habitats ideal for rats and cockroaches, one similar to a drainpipe," Sciberras said, stressing on the need to never leave sewage exposed, or leave waste and food leftovers on con- struction sites. Rat aesthetic: more than just a phobia Although most people just dis- like the idea of rats in the area, rats cause more destruction then just aesthetic value. "Rats will gnaw through any plastics and any electrical wiring, causing damage to housing. Rats also carry various diseases. Rat bites and scratches can result in disease and rat-bite fever. They can contaminate food and drink with rat urine, causing diseases," Sciberras said. "For example, people shouldn't drink from can bottles." There have been cases over the years of diseases and sicknesses due to rat infestation, but Sciber- ras said it's more of a phobia peo- ple feel. People simply don't like the sight of rats. maltatoday SUNDAY 28 JANUARY 2018 Rat Island: How we're creating the perfect environment for rodents waste is abundant. This is why waste and food leftovers on con- Over-population, excessive waste, and manic construction... Malta's populous coastlines are home to a growing army of undesirables The Embassy of Libya hereby informs that the General Fairs Enterprise in Libya will be holding its 46th Session of the Tripoli International Fair which is scheduled to take place between the 2nd and 12th April 2018 in Tripoli. In order to participate or for further information you are kindly requested to contact the following: Telephone numbers: 00218213365119 / 00218213365115 Fax number: 00218213365104 Email address: info@libyafairs.com expression of interest In October 2017 The Marigold Foundation had the pleasure of leading the Pink October Campaign. The funds raised during this year's successful campaign, will be used for providing a complimentary therapy programme to support medical treatment for newly diagnosed breast cancer patients. This programme will run in collaboration with the Breast Care Unit at Mater Dei Hospital and medical professionals from within the same unit will be referring patients to the appropriate service providers. The Foundation is inviting service providers in the following therapy programmes to submit their proposals in offering any of the following services: a. Exercise (gyms/personal trainers) b. Dietary/Weight Management c. Smoking Cessation d. Yoga/Relaxation Classes Proposals should be submitted to The Marigold Foundation, 58 Triq San Żakkarija, Il-Belt Valletta VLT 1130 by not later than 15 February 2018. One of the most historically dangerous rat-borne diseases is the BUBONIC PLAGUE, also called "Black Plague," and its variants. Transfer occurs when fleas from the rats bite human beings. Fleas transported on rats are considered responsible for this plague during the Middle Ages, which killed millions. From the transmission of bubonic plague to typhus, rat infestations can prove harmful to human health. Rats also are a POTENTIAL SOURCE OF ALLERGENS. Their droppings, dander and shed hair can cause people to sneeze and experience other allergic reactions. Diseases transmitted by rats fall into one of two categories: diseases transmitted directly from exposure to rat-infected faeces, urine or bites and diseases indirectly transmitted to people by an intermediate arthropod vector such as fleas, ticks or mites. "The urban areas where rodent infestation is high are Mqabba and Maghtab, but also Valletta and Sliema. In these areas, rats may occur by the thousands"