Daily Star

PSYCHO SEAGULLS CORONA RAMPAGE

They ditch chips for stockpiler­s’ grub

- ■ by BERNY TORRE

PSYCHOTIC scumbag seagulls and greedy giant rats have started feasting on rotting food thrown away by selfish coronaviru­s stockpiler­s who bought more than they could eat. Coronaviru­s latest:

AGGRESSIVE seagulls and giant rats have begun feasting on rotting food thrown out by stockpiler­s.

A plague of the menace birds is leaving deserted seafronts to rifle through bins packed with selfish hoarders’ ditched grub.

Experts warn the pests will make the most of reduced bin collection­s as breeding season arrives.

It comes as Rentokil warned of an explosion in rat numbers.

Dr Laura Kelley, of Exeter University, said: “Gulls are smart and adaptable – they have moved into urban areas to take advantage of the food and shelter we provide.

“Now that takeaways are closed they are probably looking elsewhere for their food. If it’s going in the bin and into landfill that food is more available for gulls as well.

“Breeding season is also approachin­g and lots of gulls nest in urban areas.”

Gull expert Peter Rock added: “Aggression towards humans is highest after chicks have hatched.”

With councils closing tips, exterminat­ors warned rats a foot long are also feasting on stored trash.

The National Pest Technician­s Associatio­n said “good housekeepi­ng is more important than ever” as they fear warmer weather will also bring cockroache­s and horse-flies.

Boss John Hope said: “It will have an effect on public health.”

Paul Blackhurst, of Rentokil Pest Control, said: “Surplus food attracts ants as well and warm weather is creating favourable conditions.”

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 ??  ?? EXPLOSION: Rat numbers
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SCARE TACTICS: A walker comes under attack from aggressive seagulls
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PICTURE PERFECT: Artist Nathan Wyburn creates an image of a nurse out of more than 200 portraits of health workers to say thank you for their work
EXPLOSION: Rat numbers ■ SCARE TACTICS: A walker comes under attack from aggressive seagulls ■ PICTURE PERFECT: Artist Nathan Wyburn creates an image of a nurse out of more than 200 portraits of health workers to say thank you for their work

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