Conflicting reports emerged yesterday over whether there has been an increase in the Island's rat population.

Despite denials from the Health Ministry and the leading pest control company, experts at two other companies say there has been an increase in the rat and mouse population on Bermuda.

Government will continue with the way it attacks the vermin problem by both blitzing a suspect area and systematically monitoring the entire Island.

Health Minister Nelson Bascome said the Pest Control Department had not seen an increase in the rat population.

"From our reports, we haven't heard of an increase.

"That doesn't mean that there isn't a rodent problem. By their nature they hide,'' he said.

"We have a systematic programme where we monitor this and we have not seen an increase.'' However David Haynes of Sun Island Pest Control said: "Oh, yes! There has been a quite marked increase in the rat population. A steady increase in the numbers -- not an explosion -- but an increase.'' Mr. Haynes added: "You'll see them dead on the road and ask yourself how many ran across before one was hit.

"Right now it is not uncommon to see them dead on the road which is a good indicator they are out there and moving about.'' Admitting there had been an increase in business, Mr. Haynes said residents could combat rats by practising good yard hygiene.

But the rat problem will never go away as there are plenty of man-made and natural food sources, such as fruit-bearing trees.

"Apart from laying traps and poison, what should be done is remove the food and harbourage for them,'' Mr. Haynes explained.

Alfred Medeiros of Pied Piper Pest Control agreed, saying: "The fact is there is an increase and, yes, I am getting more work.

"The roof rat and house mouse are growing in numbers and there is an infestation,'' he added.

"It's a big problem. I would say in the last year there has been a constant number of people calling with rodent problems. This has been the worst infestation we have ever seen.

Walter Saul, manager of industry giant Bermuda Pest Control, however saw things differently from his competitors.

"You know, I get this phone call every year,'' Mr. Saul said. "I would say no, there has not been an increase in population. We have not seen an increase in business from this.

"I just think people are more observant than before,'' he continued.

"Old-time people used to put down a trap and leave it at that.

"But now they call us if they see just one. We get these panic calls where one got in the house. But our business hasn't grown from that.'' Mr. Saul praised the Health Department's Pest Control team for its recent modernisation and upgrade in techniques and equipment.

"It's probably one of the last free Government services that one can get.

People can get rat bait from the Health Department, free of charge. They will quickly come and lay it down for you.'' He added: "If anything, there has been a decrease. There used to be a constant problem but it decreased with the (Tynes Bay) incinerator being put in.

"Having said that it's a good idea for people to clean up and for people to not put out their plastic trash bags overnight,'' Mr. Saul added. "I'm sure the garbage collectors would appreciate that too.'' Mr. Bascome said the Pest Control Department will blitz a suspect area, as it did in surrounding neighbourhoods during the closure of the Pembroke dump.

"The rat is one of those pests which it is very difficult to completely eradicate,'' Mr. Bascome explained. "We do concentrate in an area when we get a report and we do have a time table where we investigate and spray. They also look for ways to eradicate rats but most of this is predicated on the nature of the pest.'' HEALTH HTH