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Essex car workshop reports influx of vehicles infested by rats
Overview
A car repair workshop in Chelmsford, Essex, has experienced an influx of vehicles infested by rats as colder weather sets in. New Again workshop reported taking in five contaminated cars within a fortnight, alongside numerous enquiries. Pest control experts explain that rodents seek warmth, shelter, and food inside engine bays as temperatures drop and fields are cultivated, migrating towards towns and cities.
Key points
- New Again workshop in Chelmsford has handled five rat-infested cars in a fortnight.
- Workshop owner Gary Wray noted that infestations leave behind toxic excrement and nibbled wires.
- Pest control specialists state that rodents seek warmth and leftover food in engine bays during colder weather.
- Experts warn of potential health risks from rodent waste, though the UK Health Security Agency notes the risk is very low.
- Motorists are advised not to keep food in cars, avoid parking near bins, and ensure proper vehicle decontamination.