SEVERAL schools across East Renfrewshire have been infested by rats, mice, and insects, the Barrhead News can reveal.

Data obtained through a Freedom of Information request has revealed buildings belonging to the local authority were visited by pest control teams 238 times throughout 2022, costing a total of £9697.

Over the year, 20 jobs were for rats costing £3016, 29 were for mice, which set the council back £2262, while insects were the reason for 64 jobs costing £1895.

Pigeons were for one of the jobs costing £240.

Across East Renfrewshire, several primary schools were visited by pest control teams including Braidbar Primary for wasps, Busby for ants, rats, and mice, Carolside for ants, mice, and rats, Cross Arthurlie for mice and silverfish, Eaglesham for mice, Giffnock for mice, ants, and rats, Neilston for ants, Netherlee for mice on several occasions, and St Cadoc’s for mice, wasps, and silverfish.

Secondary schools that were visited for pests during 2022 include Woodfarm High for ants, St Ninians for wasps and rats, St Luke’s for mice, Mearns Castle High for rats, Eastwood High for wasps, and silverfish and Barrhead High for silverfish.

On top of schools, a number of other ERC buildings across the local authority were also visited due to pests.

These include Barrhead Community Museum, Clarkston Library, Clarkston Hall, the council offices on Lowndes Street (Barrhead), Dunterlie Community Centre, East Renfrewshire’s Culture & Leisure building, and Rouken Glen Pavilion.

While ERC’s Thornliebank depot at Carnwadric Road was visited several times for cleaning, pigeon shoot, rats, and a riddance programme.

An East Renfrewshire Council spokesperson said: “Our premises are visited regularly throughout the year to allow our pest control contractor to monitor each site on an ongoing basis to identify potential issues.

"In addition, when issues are identified outwith this period, our contractors attend to deal with the matter.

"This includes tackling issues with rodents, wasps and insects.

"Repeat visits are often required to completely eradicate a problem, and the contract in place ensures the council gets best value for this work being carried out.”