Milton Keynes City Council is urging residents to stop leaving out food overnight, and to stop feeding birds and other wildlife at any time of the day if rodents are a known issue.
MK City Council has invested £140,000 to tackle issues with rats and other rodents in several city estates.
Signs have been erected where pest control programmes are in place asking people not to feed the wildlife.
Rodents will breed wherever there is an ample food source, and typically venture out into gardens and open spaces at night, the City Council says.
Residents are being asked to stop leaving food scraps out overnight, including to clear any leftover seeds and other food from garden bird tables before the evening. Clean any bird feeders regularly, pick up spillages, and only put out a day’s worth of seeds at a time.
However, in areas where rodents have been spotted frequently, or if active pest control programmes are taking place, it’s urging residents to avoid feeding birds and other wildlife completely. It also asks local people not to feed wildlife or leave food scraps in public spaces.
Cllr Paul Trendall, Interim Cabinet Member for the Public Realm said: "We’re asking local people to help us make MK cleaner, greener and safer by being responsible when it comes to feeding birds and wildlife.
"We’re doing a lot of work to tackle pests, but sadly it’s not going to stop rodents breeding if they keep finding a reliable food source in people’s gardens. Please follow our guidance: never leave food out overnight, and if rodents are a problem where you live, please stop feeding wildlife entirely to help break the cycle"
“The roll out of new wheelie bins later this year will also mean fewer split bags and cleaner streets, added Cllr Trendall.
