Rat sightings up 15% over UK summer, Rentokil reports

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 20 Oct, 10:08 · Archive

Reported rat sightings in the UK rose 15 per cent over summer 2024 compared to the previous year, according to pest control firm Rentokil.

Reported rat sightings over June to August were up 15 per cent year-on-year, according to pest control firm Rentokil. Five UK cities recorded double-digit rises in rodent inquiries between 2024 and 2025, with Manchester seeing the biggest increase at 26 per cent. This was followed by Oxford at 24 per cent and Leeds & Bradford at 23 per cent. Rentokil suggested that increasingly dense '24/7' cities created more opportunities for rats to thrive.

Paul Blackhurst, head of Rentokil's Technical Academy, said rats were adaptable and weather influenced their behaviour. 'A brown rat needs around 60ml of water every day, so during a hot, dry summer they may travel further to find it, bringing them closer to homes, businesses and other reliable water sources,' he said. As colder weather arrives, rats seek sheltered places with resources to survive, which can bring them into homes and business premises.

Rentokil has unveiled an art installation in Manchester called Under Our Feet to challenge the misconception that rat activity indicates a dirty home or business. Blackhurst said rats do not distinguish between clean and dirty buildings, but need food, water, warmth and shelter. He added that rat problems can happen anywhere and encouraged people to speak up and act early to prevent small problems becoming major infestations.

How it is being reported

• Hot rodent summer: Rat sightings surge in the UK amid record heatwavesHot, dry summers mean rats may travel closer to homes to find water, says pest control firmThe Independent · 20 Oct, 11:28
• Reported summer rat sightings up 15% on last year – RentokilFive UK cities recorded a double-digit rise in rodent inquiries between 2024 and 2025, the firm said.Independent Business · 20 Oct, 09:37
• Reported summer rat sightings up 15% on last year – RentokilFive UK cities recorded a double-digit rise in rodent inquiries between 2024 and 2025, the firm said.Evening Standard · 20 Oct, 09:37

In this story: Rentokil · Manchester · Oxford · Leeds · Bradford · Paul Blackhurst

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