Category: North Edinburgh News

Weak controls and oversight blamed for faulty home installations under energy efficiency scheme

SCATHING REPORT HIGHLIGHTS HOMES INSULATION SCANDAL

  • 98% of homes with external wall insulation installed under the UK government’s ECO scheme require work to correct major issues that will cause problems such as damp and mould. 
  • DESNZ’s consumer protection system, which was set up in 2021, did not alert it to significant issues with the quality of installations until late 2024.
  • The NAO recommends that DESNZ sets out how and when affected households can have faulty installations repaired, and reforms the consumer protection system.
  • Download the embargoed report (PDF)

A new National Audit Office (NAO) report sets out the reasons for failures in the government’s energy efficiency scheme for homes, including poor-quality installations, weak government oversight and inadequate audit and monitoring, which the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) believes have led to tens of thousands of households needing repair work to correct major issues that will cause problems such as damp and mould.

The government’s Energy Company Obligation (ECO) scheme aims to tackle fuel poverty and reduce carbon emissions in Great Britain by requiring energy companies to fund the installation of energy efficiency measures, such as insulation, in homes.

But poor installation work has resulted in an estimated 22,000 to 23,000 homes with external wall insulation fitted under the scheme (98% of the total) and 9,000 to 13,000 homes with internal insulation (29% of the total) having major issues that need fixing. A small percentage of these installations also pose immediate health and safety risks.

Possible explanations why so many installations have been carried out to such a poor standard include an under-skilled workforce, with work being subcontracted to individuals and firms who are not competent or certified; uncertainty over which standards apply to which jobs; and businesses ‘cutting corners’ when undertaking design and installation work.

DESNZ implemented a new consumer protection system for the scheme in 2021, which included appointing TrustMark as its government-endorsed quality scheme. 

But this system failed to alert DESNZ to significant issues with the quality of installations until October 2024, by which time the media had already reported on individual cases of bad mould in homes.

Reasons for the ECO scheme’s shortcomings include:

  • weak government oversight resulting in widespread issues with the ECO scheme not being identified sooner;
  • an overly complex consumer protection system that ultimately failed due to unclear and fragmented roles, responsibilities and accountabilities among DESNZ, Ofgem and private sector certification bodies and scheme providers;5
  • TrustMark’s funding arrangements limiting its ability to have analytical systems fully up and running until the latter half of 2024; and
  • insufficient audit and monitoring, in part due to weaknesses that allowed installers to ‘game’ the system.6

In addition to these issues, in November 2024 Ofgem estimated that businesses had falsified claims for ECO installations in between 5,600 and 16,500 homes, potentially claiming between £56 million and £165 million from the energy suppliers operating under the scheme.7

DESNZ and Ofgem took action once TrustMark made them aware of the extent of the problems. This included asking certification bodies and scheme providers to suspend the worst performing installers; communicating the issues to potentially affected households and to the wider public; and implementing immediate changes to the consumer protection system.

DESNZ also plans to apply the lessons learned from this experience to the design of its future schemes and its forthcoming Warm Homes Plan.

To improve the consumer protection system, and to boost householders’ confidence in government-backed schemes, the NAO recommends that DESNZ:

  • takes clear responsibility for schemes such as ECO, even when they are funded through consumers’ electricity bills;
  • clarifies its approach to repairing faulty ECO scheme installations alongside its Warm Homes Plan;
  • reforms the consumer protection system for retrofit schemes; and
  • reports annually on a statistically robust estimate of the level of fraud and non-compliance in each of its retrofit schemes.

Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: “ECO and other such schemes are important to help reduce fuel poverty and meet the government’s ambitions for energy efficiency.

“But clear failures in the design and set-up of ECO and in the consumer protection system have led to poor-quality installations, as well as suspected fraud.

“DESNZ must now ensure that businesses meet their obligations to repair all affected homes as quickly as possible. It must also reform the system so that this cannot happen again.”

Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, Chair of Westminster’s Committee of Public Accounts. said: “The failures of the two current Energy Company Obligation (ECO) schemes are stark, with nearly all external and nearly a third of internal wall insulation fitted under the schemes requiring remediation.

“The potential impact of major issues to the health and safety of affected households must not be understated.

“Despite allegations of fraud, lack of sufficient quality data means that overall levels of fraud in ECO remain unknown.

“DESNZ and Ofgem have been quick to act after becoming aware of widespread problems, but their efforts remain hampered by weak government oversight and an overly complex consumer protection system.

“It is imperative that households receive clarity on how they can fix their homes and a system is put in place whereby these failings do not reoccur.”

Walk-in GP clinics to open in Scotland

Improving access to primary care

A network of walk-in GP clinics will open as part of work to improve access to primary care.

The clinics, which would be staffed by GPs, nurses and support staff, will be open seven days a week, 12:00-20:00, in addition to existing primary care services. They will provide a range of same-day assessments, diagnostics and treatment.

Fifteen clinics in sites across Scotland will proceed initially to test the benefits for patients.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said: “Improving access to primary care and shifting more care into the community is central for this Government.

“As part of this, we are taking forward new and innovative ways to improve access to primary care, including the benefits of local walk-in GP clinics.

“These will be in addition to core GP services and will offer additional flexibility for patients. These will be designed in collaboration with NHS Boards, GPs and other partners to ensure they strengthen existing services.”

The announcement was made by First Minister John Swinney at the SNP’s annual conference in Aberdeen yesterday.

The Holyrood elections take place next May.

NHS 24: Treating Norovirus

🤢💩 Caught norovirus? – here’s our quick guide on what to do to help you feel better and prevent it from spreading to others:

TREATING NOROVIRUS

🔹 take paracetamol for any fever or aches and pains

🔹 get plenty of rest

🔹 use special rehydration drinks if you have signs of dehydration, such as a dry mouth or dark urine. These are available in community pharmacies

Norovirus can be very unpleasant but usually clears up by itself in a few days. You can normally look after yourself or your child at home.

⚠️Avoid going to your GP, as norovirus can spread to others very easily.

📱Phone your GP practice or NHS 24 on 111 if you’re concerned or need advice.

PREVENTING THE SPREAD

🔹 stay off work or school until at least 48 hours after the norovirus symptoms have stopped

🔹 avoid visiting anyone in hospital during this time

🔹 wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water particularly after using the toilet and before preparing or handling food

🔹 be aware alcohol-based hand gels don’t kill the virus

🔹 disinfect any surfaces or objects that could be contaminated, using a bleach-based household cleaner.

🔹 wash any items of clothing or bedding that could have become contaminated separately on a hot wash (60°C)

🔹 do not share towels and flannels

🔹 flush any poo or vomit in the toilet and clean the surrounding area with a bleach-based household cleaner

🔹 avoid eating raw, unwashed food

🔹 only eat oysters from a reliable source as they can carry norovirus

Remember norovirus spreads very easily in public places such as hospitals, nursing homes and schools.

Follow our hygiene tips above to prevent the virus from spreading further!

Great value October holiday activities at Dobbies Garden Centres

  • Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer
  • Soft play, bookings start from £3.50  
  • Free-to-attend Little Seedlings October Holiday Club
  • Little Scare-lings, tickets priced at £15 per child

Dobbies Garden Centres is offering great value entertainment for families during the October holidays at its Edinburgh store.

Keep costs down by spending a day at Dobbies, where parents can take advantage of Dobbies’ Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer, kids can take part in the free-to-attend Little Seedlings October Holiday Club and the little ones can be amused at soft play. Wizards and Witches of all ages are also invited to take part in a spellbinding Halloween tea party at Dobbies’ magical Little Scare-lings event. 

Kids Eat for £1 restaurant offer

Dobbies offers Kids Eat for £1, allowing children under the age of 16 to enjoy their food for £1 with every traditional adult breakfast and main course meal at lunch. Children can pick from the kids’ breakfasts, lunch menu or pick ‘n’ mix meal, including a drink. 

Restaurants are open Monday-Sunday from 9am, location times may vary and customers are advised to visit the website to check the restaurant opening hours. 

Soft play

Families are invited to come and join in the fun at Dobbies’ Little Seedlings soft play at the Edinburgh store, where children of all ages, from babies and toddlers to young kids, can let off some steam and play in a safe environment. 

The soft play area is in Dobbies’ restaurant, where families can enjoy tasty meals and snacks, plus kids eat free with every adult main meal. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment, but there may be walk-in spaces available on the day, prices and age ranges vary for each store, starting at £3.50.

Little Seedlings October Holiday Club

Children are invited to step into the enchanting world of gardens after dark at the free Little Seedlings Holiday Club workshop, running on selected dates throughout October at the Edinburgh store.

As twilight falls, young adventurers will uncover how the garden transforms at night – from the curious creatures that come alive, to the magical sights, sounds, and scents. The fun doesn’t stop there, attendees will get the chance to be creative with hands-on activities. 

Little Scare-lings 

This Halloween, children and families can get ready to take part in some scarily fun activities and afternoon tea at the Little Scare-lings event at the Edinburgh store. There will be three tiers of savoury sandwiches and sweet treats for the children and spook-tacular tea and cake offers or afternoon tea add ons for adults.

Little ones will get to take part in slime and magic potion making to embrace their inner witches and wizards, alongside other magical activities and games. Dobbies is encouraging attendees to dress up in their spookiest costume as a prize will be awarded during a costume contest.

The Little Scare-lings – Witches, Wizards and Wicked Treats is taking place on Saturday 18, Sunday 19, Saturday 25, Sunday 26, Friday 31 October, and Saturday 1 November, tickets are £15 per children and from £7.50 for adults. Dates vary for each store so please check the website when booking. To find out more about the great value activities at Dobbies’ Edinburgh store, visit www.dobbies.com/events. 

Starmer welcomes hostages release

The last 20 living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza are now back in Israel after spending more than two years in captivity.

The hostages were kidnapped by Hamas during the 7 October2023 attacks

Hamas says it will also hand over the remains of four dead hostages later today, but has told mediators it does not know the location of some of the other 24.

Israel has released almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners as part of President Donald Trump’s peace plan.

UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has welcomed the release of hostages in Gaza.

Starmer, who has travelled to the middle east, said: “I share the deep feeling of relief as hostages are released today.

“It is now crucial that we work together to implement President Trump’s peace plan for Gaza.”

Hundreds of Scottish children contacted Childline about anxiety last year

Anxiety emerges as most common mental health concern for children reaching out to Childline  

  • Last year Childline delivered more than 500 counselling sessions to children and young people from Scotland with concerns about anxiety.  
  • Causes included abuse and trauma, bullying, global concerns and body image issues.
  • This World Mental Health Day (Friday, October 10), Childline is encouraging young people to reach out to the service for support.  

Anxiety has been revealed as the main mental health concern for children and young people when receiving help from Childline.  

Last year, the NSPCC service delivered 546 counselling sessions to children in Scotland related to anxiety, representing almost a quarter (22%) of all support given for mental health issues. 

Navigating problems at school, bullying and body image concerns were some of the reasons children and young people cited for experiencing anxiety. Childline also heard that ongoing social and political issues, such as the UK riots, climate change and world conflict, were also increasing feelings of worry and concern in young people.

One primary school aged girl in Scotland told Childline: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”  

Another girl in Scotland, aged 15, told Childline: “I’ve been struggling with even basic tasks lately because of anxiety. I get filled with panic, can’t function and then I get angry with myself, so it gets even worse. It’s really frustrating. I want to tell someone but I’m not sure if my problems are important to anyone” Girl, 15 

Childline is a free service available to any young person in the UK. Trained counsellors are available to support with any concerns, queries or questions and can be reached via phone or through their online chat.  

Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said: “Thousands of children are reaching out to us because they’re struggling with their mental health, in particular with anxiety. We know how overwhelming these feelings can be, often leaving young people feeling trapped and unsure of where to turn.

“From the pressures of school and bullying to concerns about their appearance and worries about global issues, like climate change and world conflict, children are telling us they’re carrying an enormous emotional burden.  

“This World Mental Health Day, we want every young person to know that it’s okay to not be okay, and that help is always available. Childline is here 24/7, providing a safe, confidential space where children can talk about their anxieties, no matter how big or small they may seem.” 

To mark World Mental Health Day, the children’s charity has released a series of tips to support both children and parents or carers. The Childline website also has a host of advice for young people.  

Advice for children who may be struggling with anxiety includes:  

  1. Practice Deep Breathing: When you feel anxious, try breathing in slowly through your nose for a count of five, then exhale slowly through your mouth for another count of five. Focusing on your breath can help calm your mind and reduce anxiety.  
  1. Engage in Physical Activity: Physical exercise can be a great way to improve your mood. Whether it’s going for a walk, dancing, or playing a sport, find an activity you enjoy which can help to manage anxious feelings.  
  1. Stay Present: Grounding techniques can help you stay focused on the present moment. For example, try to identify five things you can see, four things you can touch, three things you can hear, two things you can smell, and one thing you can taste.   
  1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Pay attention to negative thoughts that may be contributing to your anxiety. Try to reframe them by focusing on positive aspects or considering alternative perspectives  
  1. Reach Out for Support: Remember, you don’t have to face anxiety alone. Talking to a trusted adult, friend, or counsellor can provide you with support and guidance. Childline is available 24/7 to offer confidential assistance whenever you need it.  

Top tips for parents to support children who may be experiencing anxiety includes:  

  1. Communicate Openly: Encourage your child to talk about their feelings without judgment.   
  1. Understand the Causes: Work together to identify specific situations or thoughts that trigger your child’s anxiety. Understanding these triggers can help when developing effective coping strategies.  
  1. Promote Healthy Routines: Ensure your child maintains regular sleep patterns, balanced nutrition, and physical activity to provide a sense of stability when they may be feeling uncertain within themselves.   
  1. Model Positive Coping Mechanisms: Demonstrate healthy ways to manage stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness, or physical exercise.   
  1. Seek Professional Support When Needed: If your child’s anxiety persists or worsens, consult with a healthcare professional or counsellor.   

Childline is available for young people via the phone on 0800 1111 and online through the 121 chat on the Childline website.   

Trams consultation: Local drop-in session added in Drylaw

The city council has added a further Drop-in Session on the North-South Tramline  Consultation Proposals following a request by Drylaw Telford Community Council.

More than 40 people attended last week’s community council meeting to discuss tram line options for the area, but planned guest speaker Cllr Stephen Jenkinson, the city council’s Transport and Environment convener, was unable to attend and submitted his apologies on the afternoon of the meeting.

The council is proposing a north – south tram route which would run from Granton, through the city centre, out to the Edinburgh BioQuarter and Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh via Cameron Toll, and potentially beyond into the city region.

The meeting – the best-attended community council event for some years – went ahead and called for a local drop-in event for Drylaw Telford residents in line with those staged at Blackhall Primary School, Granton Station and North Edinburgh Arts.

The community council has also submitted a list of questions raised by residents at the meeting for a council response.

As a result, another local Drop-in will take place on: 

Tuesday 28th October

from 4 – 7pm in Drylaw Neighbourhood Centre

There will also be another opportunity see what is being proposed and to make comments at Bristo Baptist Church on Wednesday 29 October from 4 – 7pm.

 

First Minister to visit Malawi and Zambia on landmark anniversary

TWENTY YEARS SUPPORTING SCOTLAND’S PARTNER COUNTRIES

First Minister John Swinney will visit Zambia and Malawi to see the impact of the Scottish Government’s international development and climate justice work on the lives of people in partner countries over the past two decades.

This will be the first time a First Minister has visited Malawi since the historic Co-operation Agreement between the governments of Scotland and Malawi in 2005, and the first ever visit to Zambia.

While in the countries, the First Minister is due to announce new international development funding for health and investment partnerships, and see existing programmes supporting education, advancing gender equality and helping to tackle the impacts of climate change.

Speaking ahead of his visit, the First Minister said: “The 20-year anniversary of our overseas development programme is a landmark that we should be proud of – we have seen how working together with our partner countries to better understand their challenges, can have transformative impact on communities.

“Current global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, conflict, poverty and inequality can only be addressed if the Global South and North work together. 

“Through that partnership approach, Scotland is both contributing globally and learning from our partners – for example providing joint leadership on climate justice, including loss and damage, and by focusing investment in traditionally neglected areas such as non-communicable diseases and disability education. 

“Our funding has helped to build operating rooms for children’s hospitals, establish research labs, advance gender equality, support renewable energy initiatives, and ensure children – in particular girls – can attend school.

“At a time when governments across the world are cutting aid programmes overseas, internationalism, and international solidarity, has never been more important.   

“Scotland will continue to stand with the international community and to do our bit for a fairer, more equal world.”

CEO of the Malawi Scotland Partnership Linda Dembo said: “We are deeply honoured to welcome the First Minister of Scotland to Malawi for a visit that not only strengthens our enduring friendship, but also marks 20 years of transformative partnership through Scottish Government international development support.

“This milestone is a celebration of shared values, mutual respect, and the countless lives uplifted through collaboration.

“At the Malawi Scotland Partnership, we remain committed to deepening these ties and amplifying the impact of our collective efforts.”

The First Minister will travel to Zambia tomorrow (Tuesday 14 October) and return from Malawi on Monday 20 October.

The Space Dome arrives in Livingston to help raise funds for CHAS

The Centre, Livingston has unveiled plans for the arrival of its first-ever 8m Space Dome, from the 18-27th October, where visitors can enjoy a 360° planetarium film experience through the galaxy and take part in science-themed activities, including handling Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina that are 4.6 billion years old.

The Space Dome, complete with giant space props, including a 5ft inflatable rocket and moon, has been created by the astronomer, Zee Dinally, who has travelled the world with his pop-up planetariums to give people an insight into the solar system and night sky.

The full-dome film with surround sound, entitled ‘Journey to Infinity’, is narrated by the former Blue Peter producer and BBC presenter, Sue Beardsmore, and takes you on virtual journey through space to explore distant galaxies from infinity to beyond, and discover how we are connected to the cosmos.

The event, which will take place during the October school break, is designed to provide an immersive, educational and fun experience for shoppers, especially avid space, astronomy and geology enthusiasts, who can learn more about meteorites that reveal the ancient geometry of the solar system.

There will also be a Virtual Reality Zone with headsets and astronaut costumes for children to embark on their own virtual space trip and explore natural astronomical objects including stars, planets, the moon, asteroids, comets and galaxies. 

The Space Dome event, which will be located next to Waterstones and run daily from 10 – 4pm, also provides the opportunity to raise funds for Children’s Hospices Across Scotland, CHAS, which is the winter charity partner at The Centre, Livingston, for the third consecutive year.

All activities are free with donations optional for CHAS, which provides the only hospice services in Scotland for children with life-shortening conditions and support for families, including respites and counselling.

Zhenya Dove, Community Fundraiser at CHAS, said: “We are so excited to be part of this amazing Space Dome adventure at The Centre, Livingston. 

“It’s a great way for families to enjoy some time together and make precious memories, which is exactly what’s at the heart of everything we do at CHAS. 

“Every donation, no matter the size, helps us bring moments of joy to children with life-shortening conditions and their families.”

Patrick Robbertze, Centre Director at The Centre, Livingston said: “Our Space Dome event will give visitors the chance to enjoy a great day shopping, dining out and also have fun watching a captivating space-themed film in a planetarium, where you can soar through the solar system.

“We’ll also have astronaut costumes and VR headsets for children to experience their own personal voyages through the universe and other activities including the opportunity to handle real Campo Del Ceilo meteorites from Argentina, which are 4.6 billion years old.

“The event will also give us a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness and funds for CHAS, who we are delighted to be supporting again this year.”

For more details, check out The Centre, Livingston website, www.thecentrelivingston.com and social channels, @shopthecentre.

Winter of ‘giant rats’ looming?

YOUR TAKEAWAYS COULD BE THE CULPRIT

Recent reports warn that a ‘winter of rats’ is around the corner, highlighting growing infestations across the country. Brits haven’t taken the warning lightly, and have been querying how to get rid of rats the most this week, with a 69% uptick in searches. 

Experts at Rainbow Rubbish removals have provided expert advice on preventing rats in the home, as rat populations peak.

Five expert tips to prevent rats in the home

  1. Get rid of food and water sources

Rainbow Rubbish removals warn that this could be a particularly bad winter for rats. Seasonal events and colder weather means higher levels of discarded takeaway food, which provides a ready source of nourishment for the pests. We’re seeing more reports in the UK of ‘giant rats’ because there’s plenty of food for them to eat.

Overflowing bins and easy access to homes make it simple for rats to thrive. Their presence is more than just a nuisance: rats can spread diseases through droppings and contaminated surfaces, so use tightly fitting lids and avoid leaving food scraps in open bins overnight, clean up spilled food and don’t leave empty takeaway containers accessible.

Miroslav Radov comments: “Rats seek areas where they can find food, and they will eat almost anything. Therefore, ensuring that you have eliminated any food or water sources that they could feed off is crucial. 

“Food and water sources are one of the primary reasons rats enter homes, and by eliminating this motivation, the rats are much less likely to enter and more importantly, less likely to stick around.”

  1. Inspect your home for entry points

Rats can squeeze through very small holes, sometimes as small as 20mm in diameter, roughly the size of a 10p coin. This makes inspecting your home for entry points during seasons of increased rat activity such as late summer-autumn crucial. By identifying these small potential entry points, you can highly decrease the risk of rats entering your property, eliminating the risk of health hazards. 

Focus on gaps in low level foundations and pipes. Cracks in any walls or doors can also be entry points for rats, so be sure to check for any damage and if found, take the needed steps to seal these potential points of entry. Be sure to also examine vents for gaps, as well as looking for gaps under any decking or sheds. 

Radov suggests: “Whilst inspecting for entry points, check for signs of rat activity. This could be droppings, scratching or scurrying noises, or nests and nesting materials. If you are unsure or unable to adequately check your property for entry points, pest control professionals are able to identify all the smallest entry points, and if you find signs of rat activity, they can also help to eliminate any rat problem or infestation.” 

  1. Limit the potential for habitats

Limiting the potential for rat habitats can help keep them away from your property, and instead, seek somewhere else where they have what they need to survive. To do this, eliminate food sources and seal entry points and previously mentioned.

Additionally, be sure to regularly clean food spills and empty garbage often.

Another key consideration in potential rat habitats is to minimise clutter in your home and garden. Clutter can serve as a great hiding or nesting place for rats, making it more likely for them to make themselves at home on your property. 

Radov advises: “It is also important to check for any moisture issues and sources. For instance, any leaky pipes or faucets can be appealing for rats who seek a readily available water source, and damp conditions, which can attract other pests that act as a food source for rats.”

  1. Consider natural repellents

There are various natural deterrents you can use to deter rats and decrease the chances of them entering and nesting in your home. Apply these in areas where rats are likely to be or to enter, such as near entry points, in cupboards, or around bird feeders in gardens.

  • Peppermint Oil
    • Peppermint’s strong and pungent scent is known to irritate rats due to their strong sense of smell. However, don’t rely on this as a long-term solution alone, and be sure to follow other key steps such as eliminating food sources, as they could become accustomed to the smell and still be motivated to enter if food is available.
  • Essential Oils
    • Essential oils such as eucalyptus create an environment that’s unbearable for rats, due to its potent smell, encouraging them to leave. However, this again comes with a warning, as it may not be enough of a solution if it isn’t used in conjunction with other methods of deterrence. 
  • Cayenne Pepper
    • Rats dislike this due to its strong and spicy scent and taste, which can deter them from entering the space in which this pepper is present. However, there is always the present risk that rats may learn to tolerate this smell, if there is an active food source available nearby. Therefore, always combine this with other methods such as those detailed above.
  1. Keep your home clean and utilise ventilation 

One of the most important and simple steps you can take to prevent rats is to maintain good levels of hygiene, cleanliness and ventilation in your home. By nature, rats are attracted to unsanitary environments as well as a lack of airflow.

This makes a clean and well-ventilated space less appealing and more difficult to survive in, as a clean home with limited clutter means their food sources are eliminated. 

Radov states: “Ensure that you regularly vacuum and mop, taking extra care in spaces such as kitchens which can harbour crumbs and food waste which attracts rats. Dispose of waste appropriately and securely, and if needed, invest in a rodent proof bin with a very tight fitting lid.

Keep attics and spaces within the home well ventilated, to discourage rats from crawling and nesting in these spaces. Also be sure to be attentive to your garden and trim overgrown bushes and plants, as rats can hide within these.”