General · 2 March 2026
Rentokil records 10% UK rat rise, Northern Ireland up 26%
Pest control firm Rentokil has recorded a 10% year-on-year rise in confirmed rodent activity across the UK, attributing the increase to 2025 being the country's warmest year on record. Northern Ireland saw the largest regional jump at 26%, followed by Yorkshire at 20%, north-west England at 19%, the West Midlands at 16%, and Scotland at 14%. Rentokil warned that the record-breaking wet start to 2026 could push more rats into homes as flooding forces them from burrows and sewers. Property owners are advised to seal entry points and manage waste to reduce infestation risk.
Reported by PA Media / Shropshire Star · How we write briefs