22/04/2020
A survey from BPCA, the UK national association of pest management companies, has noted a "significant spike" in rat and mice activity in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The survey interviewed trained pest management professionals, 51% of whom reported an increase in rat populations while 41% also said there had been an increase in mice populations.
While the evidence is mostly anecdotal for now, according to BPCA, empty buildings, deserted streets and reduced footfall provide an ideal opportunity for rodents to thrive across the UK, with rats and mice seemingly becoming bolder, braver and more innovative in finding food and shelter in the shutdown.