Experts attribute the surge in rat activity to climate factors, with 2025 being the UK's warmest year on record, potentially extending breeding seasons, and the wet start to 2026 likely flooding burrow systems and boosting activity.

Rats are strong swimmers but cannot endure prolonged submersion, so flooding drives them to higher, drier areas, increasing the chance of infestations in homes and buildings.

UK homes are seeing a significant rise in rat activity, as Rentokil Pest Control reports a 10% year-on-year increase in confirmed rodent sightings across the country.

Experts and authorities urge early prevention and professional pest control, including proofing entry points, proper waste management, and swift response to early signs of activity.

After heavy rain, homeowners should take proactive steps such as clearing debris, sealing entry points, inspecting walls and foundations for gaps, and securing outdoor bins with tight lids away from building walls.

Regional data show the largest increases in pest activity in Northern Ireland (about 26%), followed by Yorkshire (around 20%) and north-west England (about 19%), with other regions like the West Midlands and Scotland also reporting double-digit rises.