Press
COVID-19
Many countries are beginning to report increases in pest numbers due to COVID-19 lockdown measures. This rise is likely due to:
- A reduction in pest management practices
- Empty locations (restaurants, bars, public spaces)
- Increased rubbish produced by households
- Lower rubbish collection levels due to lower staff numbers
The press is picking up on these rising numbers. The BBC, National Geographic and local French outlets reported on the increase of rat populations in the US and Europe.
The United Nations (UN) has also begun to recognise the impact blocking pest management could have, stating that "avoiding breakdown in pesticide supply" is "crucial". For the moment, their reporting focuses on locust swarms in Africa.
The BBC is beginning to highlight the increase in household waste.