Hot weather and lockdown to blame for rise in rodents
WARM weather and the lockdown sent rodent numbers rocketing last year – sparking a surge in infestations.
And experts fear Storm Christoph could boost complaints further as flooding destroys burrows so they seek shelter indoors.
Internet searches for rat and mouse advice jumped 37 per cent last year compared with 2019.
And complaints have risen over five years as warmer weather helps rodents have more litters and survive winters.
Business closures and lockdowns may have also have given the vermin opportunities to thrive.
Extreme weather also impacts rodents. Pest controllers said last year storms Ciara and Dennis caused a spike in cries for help while Storm Christoph could spell even more trouble.
Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said: “Warmer average temperatures are a boon for rodents – usually bringing more sources of food and opportunities to breed and survive outdoors, out of sight from humans.
“It means populations are larger in winter when it is harder for them to survive.
“This is usually when they make their way into people’s homes or other premises, in search of shelter, food and water.
“Temporary business closures and lockdowns as a result of the pandemic may have also helped create favourable conditions for rodents in 2020.”
He added that data suggested rodent activity remained relatively consistent throughout the year, rather than the more traditional spikes during the cooler months.
Paul said: “The quieter streets and unoccupied buildings offered shelter and opportunities undisturbed.
“It also contributed to a unique scenario where rodents became more frequently spotted during daylight hours, despite being timid and nocturnal creatures.
“This situation is likely to be created by increasing nest sizes, forcing less dominant rodents out of the nest in search of new opportunities to feed and breed.”
He warned a milder winter and changes from lockdown, combined with flooding, could create a perfect storm for rodents to migrate indoors in large numbers.
Paul added: “The most important thing that residents and businesses can do to prevent a rodent problem is to inspect their properties for any potential entry points. Anything larger than the width of a biro should be sealed.” to exist