- Rat infestations in UK properties have surged by 10 per cent over the past year, with Rentokil Pest Control reporting a significant rise in confirmed rodent sightings.
- Northern Ireland experienced the largest increase at 26 per cent, followed by Yorkshire with 20 per cent and north-west England at 19 per cent.
- Experts attribute the rise to longer-term climate patterns, including a record-breaking hot summer. They say this could have extended breeding seasons.
- Meanwhile, sustained wet weather and flooding displace rats from their burrow systems and drainage networks, forcing them to seek higher, drier shelter in properties.
- Rentokil advises property owners to clear debris, seal potential entry points, and manage waste effectively to prevent infestations, recommending professional support for unmanageable problems.
IN FULL
