Councils receive pest infestation call every two minutes
According to Direct Line, Manchester City Council made the most rodent visits in 2024, with 18,281 trips throughout the year
New data reveals the UK’s rodent crisis is escalating, with councils receiving a pest infestation call every two minutes in 2024.
According to Direct Line, Manchester City Council made the most rodent visits in 2024, with 18,281 trips throughout the year.
Local authority pest control teams were called out to 291,132 pest-infested homes across the UK in 2024, equating to one visit every two minutes. This represented an increase of three per cent when compared with 2023 and nine per cent when compared with 2022.
Data from Direct Line reveals that in 2024, councils responded to an additional 52 rat or mouse-related callouts per day compared to 2022, highlighting a sharp rise in rodent infestations. Bedbug cases also surged, increasing by 35% between 2022 and 2024, from 11,028 to 14,882 reported cases.
Hospital admissions data shows that 50 people were admitted due to rat bites, though the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting. Rodents also pose significant health risks, carrying diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can spread through urine, droppings, or contamination of food preparation areas.
Across the UK, councils responding to Direct Line’s Freedom of Information (FOI) request reported a combined spend of £40 million tackling rodent infestations last year.
The availability of council-operated pest control services remains inconsistent, with only 5% of councils offering free rat and mouse removal.
A quarter (24%) of councils have no pest control services, either never offering them or discontinuing them in recent years.
On average, councils spend £126,993 annually on pest control, though costs in larger metropolitan areas are significantly higher.
Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Manager at British Pest Control Association, says: “The statistics show a significant uptick in callouts, so it is increasingly important for residents to consider calling a professional at the first sign of pest activity.
“Rats and mice are a public health concern and have rapid breeding cycles, which means an infestation can quickly escalate. Bed bug infestations are tricky to deal with and horribly distressing for those that have to live alongside them, meaning a pest professional should always deal with them.
“BPCA members are trained and qualified professionals who can have the expertise needed to investigate a pest issue, identify the root cause, and work with householders to protect their safety, health and wellbeing. Please don’t put off seeking professional help if you spot signs of a pest infestation.”
Hits and Greatest Hits Radio Manchester have approached Manchester City Council for a statement.