Rodent infestation claims expected to rise this autumn

Summarised from Evening Standard's report · Updated 9 Oct, 12:55 · Archive

Insurance claims for rat and mouse infestations could increase sharply this autumn, a landlord insurer has warned.

Direct Line Landlord Insurance, part of Aviva Group, is warning that rodent-related claims under landlord emergency cover could rise sharply this autumn. The firm's data shows such claims jumped 57% when comparing September 2025 with October the previous year, with October and November typically the busiest months. As temperatures fall, rats and mice are expected to seek food, warmth and shelter indoors, increasing infestation risk.

Rodents account for 79% of all vermin-related emergency cover claims in 2025 and the first half of 2026, with bed bugs, wasps and squirrels accounting for other claims. Nearly a third of landlords surveyed had experienced a rat or mouse infestation in at least one rental property during the past two years. The average cost for pest control, cleaning and repairs was around £315. Nearly two-thirds of landlords who had experienced pests said they had taken preventive steps but still experienced infestations.

Read the report

• Claims for rats and mice infestations could spike this autumn, insurer warnsDirect Line Landlord Insurance has suggested ways people can help prevent the rodents accessing their homes.Evening Standard · 9 Oct, 11:20

In this story: Direct Line Landlord Insurance · Aviva Group

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