SOUTH Gloucestershire householders who put food out for wild birds could also be attracting rats, according to a new pest survey.

Pest control officers across the region have found that of almost 6,500 reports of rat problems, more than one in four was linked to residents feeding the birds.

Now well-meaning residents keen to encourage feathered friends into their gardens are being urged to take steps to minimise the problem by making sure they do not put out excess food and by avoiding spillage from bird feeders.

South Gloucestershire Council senior environmental health officer Shaun Fudge said the survey revealed wild bird feeding to be the biggest cause of rats in gardens.

Pest control officers from South Gloucestershire Council worked with 12 other authorities affiliated to the Western Pest Liaison Group (WPLG) on the survey, which saw 6,474 new calls requesting treatment for rats over a six month period.

Mr Fudge, WPLG vice-chairman, said: "The survey revealed that 1,788 of the calls received by local authorities to deal with rats were linked by pest control officers to the activity of putting out food to feed wild birds. That's 28 per cent of all the calls received."

Like most people, pest control officers were in favour of ensuring wild bird species thrived, he said.

They wished to work with the public and relevant organisations to encourage people to feed birds responsibly.

WPLG group members believe that a lack of commonly available advice and information on bird feeders designed to prevent waste spillage - and how to avoid attracting vermin by putting out excessive amounts of bird feed- may be partly responsible.

They also believe there has been a significant increase in the number of people feeding birds, made possible by the availability of tables and feeders from DIY stores and garden centres.

The WPLG recorded a concern about the amount of resources local authorities were putting into combating rat infestations in gardens and the relationship to bird feeding.

A spokesman for the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds said: "Feeding birds is a wonderful pastime enjoyed by millions of people in the UK. It provides vital food for birds at key times of the year, especially during the winter months when natural food is scarce.

"However, good hygiene is vital. Check and clean bird tables and feeders regularly, to avoid the build up of food particles or droppings, as these can spread disease amongst the birds being fed. It is also important to avoid putting out too much food, as excess amounts will attract unwanted visitors including rats."

The RSPB encourages responsible bird feeding and provides detailed information on the best ways to feed birds on its website: www.rspb.org.uk.