Rodent reports surge – insurer

THE coronavirus lockdown has left many people with unwanted house guests – as reports of rat and mouse infestations have rocketed, according to analysis by an insurer.

Aviva found there had been a 42% increase in rat infestations during lockdown for one company – JG Pest Control – which provides a pest control service for Aviva Home Emergency customers through a collaboration with HomeServe.

Sarah Applegate, of Aviva, said: “Reduced bin collections may have led to new food sources for pests at people’s homes. Or there’s the chance that people may have become more aware of mice and rats because they’ve been at home.”