HUNDREDS of rat infestations have been reported across Worcestershire over the last three years.

Concerned residents have reported 449 infestations to Worcestershire County Council, according to a freedom of information request submitted by Direct Line Insurance.

According to the data, in 2022 there were 148 pest control visits to homes in Worcestershire.

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This was a decrease from 2021, which saw 173 visits, and there were 128 visits in 2020.

The research found that each local authority across the UK spent an average of £101,044 dealing with residential rodent infestations.

In total, local authorities could be spending an estimated £36 million tackling rodent infestations each year. 

What damage can rats cause?

According to the British Pest Control Association, rats have to gnaw in order to keep their teeth in shape, and common ‘gnaw-spots’ include the sheathing around electrical cables and pipes, which can result in gas and water leaks and possible fire risks.

What are the health risks?

Rats also communicate and mark territory by urinating, which represents a significant public health risk.

They can also carry many diseases which can spread to humans, normally through rats’ urine or body coming into contact with food preparation areas.

These diseases can include leptospirosis, salmonella, listeria, toxoplasma gondii and hantavirus.

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Super Rats

Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said that 'super rats' prone to common pest control equipment are starting to emerge in urban areas.

He said: “Rats are opportunistic pests that are drawn to places teeming with available food sources.

"With unlimited access to leftover food from takeaways and rubbish bins, along with water and shelter, some urban areas have become home to what are often referred to as 'super-rats'.

"Despite their namesake, these rats are not going to save the world. Rather, through genetic mutations, combined with neophobic behaviours, they have become less susceptible to some forms of common rodenticide and wary of methods used to control them.

"This is why it is important for pest controllers to adopt innovative measures in order to help prevent infestations from occurring and to deal with them effectively when they do."