The numbers of rats and mice have been increasing rapidly and so have the problems they cause and the way we live is very much to blame, writes David Lawrenson.

In an increasingly disposable culture we are throwing away more fast food and other edible items. And the pet food we leave out and tidbits for wild animals such as birds and foxes are equally as attractive to rats and mice. Compost heaps, decking, garden sheds, lofts and basements are also attractive as homes for vermin too.

For those of us with garages and basements its tempting to store food there until its needed but unless its properly sealed in plastic or tin containers it can still be got at by rats and mice.

Councils have also made the problem worse in some areas where they have moved from weekly to two-weekly collections of rubbish.

And when floods occur, rats and mice come indoors for shelter and as global warming makes occasional heavy rainstorms more likely the situation could get worse.