Dublin Zoo bosses draft in specialist team after visitor makes ‘genuinely grim' discovery in major pest control alert
DUBLIN Zoo bosses have urged the public to report any sightings of rodents, as they are working with specialists to 'manage pest control'.
A visitor complained to zoo staff that it was 'overrun with rats' last weekend, according to the
2
A visitor complained about Dublin Zoo being 'overrun with rats'
Credit: Getty
They said: 'It was really shocking. Myself and two kids counted seven running very close to us at different times, I nearly stepped on one, it was genuinely grim.
'We can't be the only ones who noticed. It must be a health hazard for humans and
Dublin Zoo chiefs urged they follow the 'stringent codes of practice, as laid down by European and Global Associations'.
A spokesperson said: 'Our dedicated teams work consistently hard to uphold these high standards for both our visitors and animals.
READ MORE ON TRAVEL
'Outdoor attractions such as
'As an outdoor facility located in a large public park, Dublin Zoo has protocols in place to monitor and manage pest control within the perimeter of the site, excluding any surrounding areas where these practices may differ.'
The spokesperson said: 'We are working with a team of specialists to manage pest control and have engaged with them regarding the recent sightings.
Most read in News Travel
'If visitors observe anything of concern, Dublin Zoo asks that they inform a member of management during their visit.'
A guest also reported seeing 'too many rats scurrying around' last June.
How Insta-friendly island is descending into a 'rat-infested disaster zone'
She said: 'The zoo itself is lovely but the amount of rats running around was petrifying. As we were having our picnic one just scurried past my foot.
'We thought maybe it was because there was food around, but no as we walked around we saw about three more.'
Separately, an expert has revealed a simple and inexpensive way to help keep
This method could save you from trialling and testing various shop-bought products, as pest control specialists say the treatment is 'highly effective.'
First, ensure your garden is tidy and move your bins as far away as possible, as rats are often drawn to scavenging through them.
Experts recommend sealing rubbish bins, properly containing compost, and cleaning up any spilt food.
Professionals from Dan's Carpet Care also suggest using a natural repellent, such as peppermint oil, which they believe 'works the best' due to its 'powerful essential oil' properties.
It's safe to use around humans and pets while being 'highly effective against rats and mice.'
To use peppermint oil, mix equal parts of oil and water in a spray bottle and apply it around your garden.
2
Guests should to report 'anything of concern' to staff
Credit: Getty
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
My algae-covered fence panels went from green to brown overnight with a £12 Wickes buy you just have to spray and leave
AN AFFORDABLE, easy-to-use product could help keep your garden in tip-top shape this summer. The fence cleaner will help ensure you can be garden proud as we approach the summer months. 3 The KilrockPRO Wood, Deck & Fence Cleaner is available for £12 from Wickes Credit: Wicks 3 One reviewer showed off how effective the product had been on their fence Credit: Wickes What's more, the product is available for just £12 at Wickes. The A product description on the Wickes website reads: "The KilrockPRO Wood, Deck & Fence Cleaner cleans, brightens and rejuvenates outdoor wooden surfaces." It can be used for a wide range of purposes, making the £12 price tag seem like even better value for money. Read more Fabulous The cleaner can be used to tackle dirt and stains caused by algae, mould and mildew on With 5 litres of concentrate, it can make up to 50 litres of usable product when diluted, ensuring you have enough to keep your fences Once diluted, the formula can be applied using a spray or a brush. For bigger areas of growth, a spray can help speed up the process, while a brush might help get those hard to reach spots in between fence panels. Most read in Fabulous After waiting for a suitable length of time, according to the product's instruction manual, the product can then be washed off. My garden was looking so old and the patio was broken - now it's a lush oasis and people can't believe how little I spent Reviews for the product were They added: "Moral of the story - use Kilrock fence cleaner first, on a dry day without any threat of rain for at least 6 hours and then leave it for 3 days or so to work it's magic. "It will save you days of time and effort!" Another customer said they use a dilution ratio of one to four, left it for 24 hours, before rewashing it which has meant their "decking has come up like new." One reviewer posted a photo of their fence, clearly showing the difference between the algae covered panels and the They wrote: "From what I can tell, people who have had trouble and left poor reviews are expecting instant results. It works overnight - spray and leave it alone!" Others were less positive, saying that A couple of lower rated comments suggested that soapy water and a stiff broom would have done just as good a job. 3 The cleaner claims to prevent regrowth for several months Credit: Getty The diluted formula is also safe on plants and grass, as it doesn't contain bleach or acid, meaning the rest of your Shoppers are advised to test the solution on a small "inconspicuous" area before applying to the rest of the fence. Once cleaned, the product description claims that it "provides long lasting surface protection that deters regrowth for months."
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- The Irish Sun
The age you can leave children at home alone in Ireland as summer holidays near
THE age at which children can be left home alone in Ireland has been revealed as summer holidays draw nearer. The State's leading Irish child protection service 3 Parents must ask if their child is ready to be home alone Credit: Getty 3 There are multiple things to consider before leaving your child or teen at home Credit: Getty It's one that many parents are asking as both primary and secondary Although some children will have a childminder or go to a summer camp, it's not unlikely that they may have to be left home alone. Tusla have said that there is no specific legal age that a child can be left But the child's safety and welfare must still be accounted for. READ MORE IN FABULOUS Tusla said that children under the age of 14 are generally not seen as mature enough to be left home alone. They explained: "There is no set age at which it is legal to leave children home alone, as it depends on whether the child is mature enough to be left alone. "For older teenagers, it is the decision of the The group added that young children should never be left home alone, while children over the age of 14 should only be left home alone for a very short period of time. Most read in The Irish Sun QUESTIONS TO CONSIDER From 16 onwards, it's generally considered that a child is mature enough to be left at home without a parent or guardian. The NSPCC also offer advice on how to asses whether or not your child is mature enough to stay home alone. Head of local campaigns Helen Westerman said that a child who doesn't feel comfortable being left alone should not stay at home without a supervisor. She added that parents must also consider if their child is ready to play outside unsupervised. As children get older and socialising with friends becomes a bigger part of life, many might spend their But Westerman said there are a few things to consider before allowing this. EMERGENCY SCENARIO She told "This is an important part of growing up, but we know there can be a lot to think about for parents. "As every child is different, we recommend building up their independence at their pace and checking in with them to make sure they feel safe." Some tips that parents can consider before deciding to leave their child home alone include asking, 'Are they ready', and considering 'What would they do in an emergency?' A second tip is taking sensible precautions by reducing risk factors and leaving a spare set of keys, A third is to know the facts if your child is going out unsupervised, including where they are going and with who. FINAL TIP A fourth tip is to make sure your children have the correct And a common tip is to go through different scenarios with your child and explain the correct way to approach them. For example, you might want to ask them what they would do if a stranger came to the door or if someone asked them to do something they were uncomfortable with. And a final tip is to establish clear boundaries, so that your child is aware of all the rules when they are unsupervised, in or outside of the house. Westerman said: "said: "It's a good idea to agree on some house or outside rules that suit their maturity before you leave them alone. "Give your child a chance to build their independence by building your trust. "If they adhere to rules and boundaries you set, you'll feel more confident letting them do more on their own." Can your child be left home alone? Here are some things to consider before leaving your child unsupervised: Ask yourself are they comfortable with it? Have you taken sensible measures to prevent risk? Do you know the facts of where your child is going and with who? Does your child have the correct phone number? Do you they know what to do in an emergency scenario? Have you established clear boundaries about being unsupervised with your child? 3 Parents shouldn't leave children below the age of 14 alone for long Credit: Getty
RTÉ News
a day ago
- RTÉ News
Calls for new public holiday in honour of St Colmcille
Donegal County Council is set to ask the Government to establish a new public holiday in honour of Saint Colmcille - also known as St Columba - the only Irish patron saint without a public holiday. Councillor Jimmy Kavanagh, whose motion calling for the public holiday was accepted at the council's latest meeting told RTÉ News there are two elements to the proposal. "Ireland is two days behind the European average of 12 public holidays per year. "St Colmcille is Ireland's third patron saint along with St Patrick and St Brigid, but he isn't recognised with a public holiday. We're looking to even that up," he said. Today marks St Colmcille feast day. Cllr Kavanagh has suggested two options as there is already a bank holiday in June. "The June Bank Holiday could be renamed in honour of St Colmcille (Columba), but that wouldn't solve the problem of Ireland having less public holidays than the rest of Europe. "Alternatively, we could go for a new public holiday on the first Monday in July. We don't have a public holiday in July in the Republic of Ireland," he said. Cllr Kavanagh added: "St Colmcille's story is a great story. I think it would be an excellent bank holiday. We're hoping the Government will look at the proposal in a positive way." He also said there would be all-Ireland, cross-border and international dimensions to any recognition, given St Colmcille's story. It is believed that St Colmcille was born in Gartán, Co Donegal in 521AD and established over 50 Christian sites throughout Ireland. In the English language, Colmcille translates as 'Dove of the Church'. He is regarded as one the three patrons saint of Ireland alongside St Patrick and St Brigid. There are many sites in the north west and in the eastern region associated with St Colmcille including Gleann Cholm Cille, Toraigh, Kells and Swords. The influential Irish monk is known the patron saint of Derry - as Gaeilge - Doire Cholmcille, meaning 'oakwood of Colmcille'. He was a significant historical figure in the spreading of Christianity in Britain. One of his most important monasteries was in Iona, off the coast of Scotland. Much history was written and recorded in his monasteries. One of Ireland's most famous books, the Book of Kells, written in Latin is believed to have been crafted by monks in the Columban monastery on Iona. Colmcille died in Iona on 9 June, 597. His legacy, as well as devotion to the saint, has endured to modern times. Many schools, churches and GAA clubs nationwide are named in his honour. Ireland has ten public holidays per year, and St Brigid's Day was the most recent addition to the list in 2023. The legislation which provides for public holidays is the Organisation of Working Time Act 1997 (OWTA). The OWTA Act is under the policy remit of the Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment and the power to introduce an additional public holiday is provided for within this legislation.
