Almost 7,000 rat infestations in Halton since 2020

New data obtained through a Freedom of Information request reveals the scale of infestations in the town.

The figures show that infestations increased between 2020 and 2022.

Thousands of rat infestations have been reported in Halton since 2020 (Image: Canva)

An investigation was undertaken by Direct Line Home Insurance that assessed the levels of rat infestations across the UK.

Of the 183 areas assessed in 2022, Halton placed 25th-worst for levels of rat infestations - there were 2,280 reported to Halton Borough Council.

This is 0.61 per cent up on the 2,266 that were reported in 2020.

However, despite Halton placing in the 25-worst of the country's boroughs that were assessed in 2022, the numbers were still fewer than those recorded in 2021.

In 2021, there were 2,367 rat infestations recorded in Halton.

As a total, since 2020 there were 6,913 infestations recorded in the area.

Rodents can cause significant structural damage to homes by gnawing under floorboards, within stud walls and drywall linings, or by making holes in loft insulation which can cause condensation and rot in the joists.

If mice and rats chew through plastic pipes it can also lead to damp, or flooding whilst chewing through electrical cables could cause significant fire risks.

Rodents can cause substantial amounts of damage to homes (Image: Canva)

Some rodents also carry diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can easily spread to humans, normally through rodent urine, droppings, or by coming into contact with food preparation areas.

Estimates have placed the number of rodents in the UK at approximately 150 million - roughly 2.33 rodents per person.

Dan Simson, head of Direct Line, said: “Mice and rats pose a real risk to the home and people’s health.

"They take advantage of issues like broken pipes, slipped roof tiles or holes in skirting to gain access to a property, often causing serious damage to the structural integrity of a building or belongings.

"We recommend that anyone with an infestation contacts either their local authority or an extermination service to have it taken care of professionally.”  

Advice given to homeowners by the insurance providers is as follows:

• Keep refuse bins sealed: Avoid attracting rodents to your property in the first place by keeping all rubbish bins containing food waste properly sealed, clearing away garden waste and by using rodent safe bird feeders.
• Keep surfaces clean: Rodents are drawn to food debris so wiping down surfaces regularly, clearing up food spillages and throwing away uneaten food will help to prevent unwanted visitors.
• Fill cracks and crevasses: Many rodents are crafty at finding entry routes into the home. Prevent them from getting in by sealing gaps around doors and windows. Also block holes above or under the sink as many pests will use this area to gain access to water.
• Seal food: Store food in safe and enclosed containers to prevent rodents from being tempted to visit your home.
• Avoid clutter: Rodents love hiding in dark areas so keep the home clutter-free to remove opportunities for them to set up a home in your house.

Ian Andrew, chief executive at the British Pest Control Association, added: "Rodents are a serious public health pest and they have rapid breeding cycles, which means infestations require swift action as they can escalate quickly.

"Unfortunately, being unable to afford pest control increases the likelihood of people either ignoring infestations or attempting DIY pest control methods, which can make the issue worse and endanger other people or non-target species.

"A pest professional such as a BPCA member will have the technical knowledge and experience required to deal with an infestation quickly and safely, as well as having access to products not available to the public.

"Pest management is vital for maintaining the safety, health and wellbeing of people, so it would be great to see something in the UK like the proactive approach New York City are taking, with the appointment of a ‘rat tsar’."