The rodent infestation rate for the second half of 2014 dropped to 2.9% from 3.6% in the first half.
The overall rate for the whole year was 3.2%, almost the same as the 2013 figure of 3.1%, the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department announced today.
Except for Kowloon City which recorded a rate of 11.1%, the rates for all other districts were below 10% for the second half of 2014.
The department said high rates are mainly caused by poor hygiene conditions, including the accumulation of waste, indiscriminate disposal of refuse and improper handling of food remnants, which provide shelter and food for rodents.
Although rodent infestation in public areas is under control as a whole, the department has strengthened inspection and cleaning of rear lanes adjacent to food premises to reduce food sources and hiding places for rodents.
