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Why are there so many mice in London? Why are there so many mice in London?
London mice are resistant to rodenticide London mice are resistant to rodenticide
London is huge, therefore there are more mice London is huge, therefore there are more mice
London's architecture suits mice London's architecture suits mice
London's predator ecosystem helps mice London's predator ecosystem helps mice
London's poor waste management contributes to rodent problems London's poor waste management contributes to rodent problems
Extended use of rodenticides has lead to resistance for London's mice Extended use of rodenticides has lead to resistance for London's mice
Larger cities provide more living space for mice Larger cities provide more living space for mice
Old buildings are easy for mice to access Old buildings are easy for mice to access
Fewer predators and more food means more mice Fewer predators and more food means more mice
London's poor waste management led to its mice infestation London's poor waste management led to its mice infestation
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Why are there so many mice in London?
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London's poor waste management contributes to rodent problems

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London's poor waste management led to its mice infestation

Since the bubonic plague, London's attempts at waste management have always been a hair behind what is necessary. This delayed approach to waste management has attracted mice.
British Pest Control Association
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The Argument

London has a history of poor waste management, which led not only to an infestation of mice but also helped their population increase rapidly. In the 17th century, the bubonic plague broke out partially as a result of poor waste management. It was commonplace for people to throw waste in the streets, attracting mice from surrounding areas. Once these mice were in the city, they were there to stay. Within 18 months, 25% of London's population was dead. This left the city without the necessary manpower to properly manage waste, allowing the mice population to continue to grow. [1] London's sizable population has left it constantly trying to play catch-up when it comes to waste management today. Unfortunately, mice have taken advantage of this and established themselves as a nuisance.

Counter arguments

While poor waste management is one of the ways that mice infested London, it doesn't explain how mice continue to thrive today. London is leagues ahead, waste management wise, where it was during the bubonic plague. London's current waste management practices cannot be blamed for the number of mice in London today.

Proponents

Premises

Rejecting the premises

References

  1. https://www.metrowaste.co.uk/waste-management-history/
This page was last edited on Thursday, 16 Jul 2020 at 11:55 UTC