FAQ

As foxes do not pose a direct threat to public health, we do not consider them to be pests. We accept that they can cause problems though.

Like other London boroughs, we do not trap or destroy foxes as this is not effective. When a fox is removed another fox will take over the vacant area.

Advice is available from The Fox Project charity website. You can also contact them on 01892 824 111 or email fox@foxproject.org.uk.

We have suggestions on how to minimise the problems foxes can cause.

Bins and refuse sacks

Foxes, cats, rats and dogs can all spread rubbish around. The easiest way to solve this is to keep lids on bins and don’t leave food waste outside in bags or bin-liners.

Disturbance at night by calling and barking

Between December and February female foxes (vixens) make a screaming sound at night to show they are ready to mate. You can buy a strong-smelling repellent to discourage foxes.

Marking territory with droppings and scents

Foxes communicate with each other using scents with strong-smelling urine or faeces used to mark their territories. If you can, remove the reason for foxes marking your garden as part of their territory. This could mean removing easy sources of food. Blocking holes in fences used for access or preventing access to resting places under sheds or elsewhere can also help.

Threats to smaller household pets

Foxes pose no threat to dogs and will rarely attack a cat. If you have smaller pets or chickens in your garden, make sure you keep them in secure hutches or enclosures, especially overnight.

The Oak Processionary Moth (Thaumetopoea processionea) is a pest that lives on and damages trees. It also poses a risk to human and animal health.

They need specialist control methods and need tro be reported the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA).

Health risk

The caterpillar of this moth comes out in April every year and produces thousands of irritating hairs.

If you or your pet comes into contact with them they can cause:

• skin rashes
• sore throats
• breathing difficulties
• eye problems .

What to do if you see or touch them

If you see any Oak Processionary Moth nests or caterpillars (OPM) you should report them immediately.

• If they are on a privately owned oak tree, report them to the Forestry Commission using the Tree Alert online pest reporting form. If you cannot use Tree Alert, you can report them by calling 0300 067 442 or by email at opm@forestry.gsi.gov.uk
• If they are on a council-owned tree, report it to our parks department 020 7364 5000 or at parks@towerhamlets.gov.uk.

It is important not to come into contact with the caterpillars, hairs or nests.

If you think you have been exposed and have an itching skin rash and/or conjunctivitis or other symptoms see a pharmacist to relieve the symptoms. If you have a more serious allergic reaction, contact your GP or call NHS Direct on 111. The call is free from any phone.

Consult a vet if your pet has a serious reaction. It is important to restrain pets from approaching nests or caterpillars.

Advice for contractors

Regulations are in place which affect how contractors working with Oak trees should be handling material within the Oak Processionary Moth affected areas.

16.1. Play shall be continuous from the first service until the match is concluded, except as allowed in Laws 16.2 and 16.3, and, for Wheelchair Badminton, 16.5.3.

16.2. Intervals:

16.2.1. not exceeding 60 seconds during each game when the leading score reaches 11 points, except Handicap matches (BWF Statutes, Section 4.1.3); and

16.2.2. not exceeding 120 seconds between the first and second game, and between the second and third game shall be allowed in all matches. (For a televised match, the Referee may decide before the match that intervals as in Law 16.2 are mandatory and of fixed duration).

16.3. Suspension of play

16.3.1. When necessitated by circumstances not within the control of the players, the umpire may suspend play for such a period as the umpire may consider necessary.

16.3.2. Under special circumstances the Referee may instruct the umpire to suspend play. In Para badminton, repair of additional equipment for Para badminton (Law 5.2) may be considered a special circumstance.

16.3.3. If play is suspended, the existing score shall stand and play shall be resumed from that point.

16.4. Delay in play

16.4.1. Under no circumstances shall play be delayed to enable a player to recover strength or wind or to receive advice.

16.4.2. The umpire shall be the sole judge of any delay in play.

16.5. Advice and leaving the court

16.5.1. Only when the shuttle is not in play (Law 15), and until the players have taken up position to serve and receive shall a player be permitted to receive advice during a match.

16.5.2. No player shall leave the court during a match without the umpire’s permission, causing delay to play, except during the intervals as described in Law 16.2.

16.5.3. In Wheelchair Badminton, a player may be allowed to leave the court for one additional interval during a match in order to catheterise. The player shall be accompanied by any BWF appointed Technical Official.

16.6. A player shall not:

16.6.1. deliberately cause delay in, or suspension of, play;

16.6.2. deliberately modify or damage the shuttle in order to change its speed or its flight;

16.6.3. behave in an offensive or inappropriate manner; or

16.6.4. be guilty of misconduct not otherwise covered by the Laws of Badminton.

16.7. Administration of breach

16.7.1. The umpire shall administer any breach of Law 16.2, 16.4.1, 16.5.2 or 16.6 by:

16.7.1.1. issuing a warning to the offending side; or

16.7.1.2. faulting the offending side, if previously warned; or

16.7.1.3. faulting the offending side in cases of flagrant offence or breach.

16.7.2. On faulting a side (Law 16.7.1.2 or 16.7.1.3), the umpire shall report the offending side immediately to the Referee, who shall have the power to disqualify the offending side from the match.