Rat infestations in the UK: Have you noticed an increase in rats in your region?

Some UK regions have reported seeing rats ‘the size of cats.’

Transcript

00:00A growing public health concern is emerging beneath the streets of the UK, with over half

00:08a million rat infestations reported nationwide in under three years.

00:13New data obtained through Freedom of Information requests to local councils shows that between

00:192023 and mid-2025, the UK recorded 518,240 rat infestations.

00:29London accounted for nearly a quarter of those reports, followed closely by the north-west

00:34of England and Scotland, which logged nearly 95,000 and 75,000 infestations, respectively.

00:44Drainage experts say the problem is escalating and increasingly starting underground.

00:50According to Stuart McGinn of Drain Detectives, the company behind the analysis, ageing infrastructure

00:57and denser cities are creating ideal conditions for rodents.

01:01He explained that urban density is one of the biggest drivers, as is the case in London,

01:08which has a complex underground network of drains and older infrastructure that rats can easily

01:13exploit.

01:14More people also equals more food waste, bin storage and ample conditions for rats and rodents

01:21to thrive.

01:22The local government association responded to the findings, emphasising the pressures on

01:28local authorities.

01:30A spokesperson said councils take their responsibilities around public health very seriously and work

01:36hard to respond to all reports of pest problems on public land and in council-owned properties.

01:42However, they have seen a rise in demand for pest control services in some areas due to factors

01:48often outside of their control, including increased urban density and warmer weather conditions,

01:55which can allow pests to thrive.

01:58They added, although responsibility for pest control in private homes and businesses rests

02:04with the owner or landlord, keeping our communities safe requires a joint effort from a range of

02:11partners, including individual households, landlords, water companies and developers.

02:18We continue to call for adequate funding and powers to be granted to councils to better help

02:23them play their role in this and keep homes and public spaces safe.