Rats on the rise: Pest controllers warn rodents are 'overwhelming' British cities after 'remarkable' population spike following heatwave summer

Pest control experts have warned that rodents are 'overwhelming' British cities after summer heatwaves led to a spike in their population.

Sightings of rats increased by 15 per cent this summer compared to last year, with some cities facing a rise of more than a quarter.

Five UK cities recorded a double-digit rise in sightings, according to pest control company Rentokil.

Manchester is the fastest-growing city for rats, having seen a 25 per cent increase in vermin activity within the past 12 months.

Oxford, Leeds and  Bradford, Peterborough and Leicester and Aberdeen have also seen increases of more than 20 per cent. 

More than six in ten people surveyed by Rentokil reported seeing a rat in the past year. 

Paul Blackhurst, head of the technical academy at the firm said that weather can have a big influence on the animal's behaviour. 

He said: 'They need food, water, warmth and shelter, and can enter properties through compromised sewers, weaknesses in buildings or neighbouring premises.'

'A brown rat needs around 60ml of water every day, so during a hot, dry summer they may travel further to find it, bringing them closer to homes, businesses and other reliable water sources.'

As the weather cools, rats start looking for shelter, which leads them inside people's homes and businesses.

'That's why autumn and winter are traditionally a busy period for rat activity, and why we anticipate seeing more enquiries and reports of rats in the media over the coming months,' he added.

And the expert warned that rats do not distinguish between a clean building and a dirty one.

Despite concerns, many people would still rather keep a rat problem quiet, according to research.

More than a third of people believe having rats in a home or business means it is dirty, while more than half (53 per cent) said they would be embarrassed to tell other people if they had a rat problem at home. 

Almost one third (31 per cent) said they would consider selling their property if they had a rat problem.

'People shouldn't be embarrassed to speak up or ask for help if they spot the signs of rats,' Mr Blackhurst said. 'Rat problems can happen anywhere, and acting early can stop a small problem becoming a much bigger one.

'At the same time, the way we tackle rats has to keep evolving. There isn't one answer to every infestation, particularly as we learn more about rodenticide resistance. Professional pest control is about understanding the problem, choosing the right approach and acting quickly.'

The firm has launched a new rodenticide-free solution that uses air-driven technology to control rats. 

The method of control is not affected by genetic resistance to rodenticides, while reducing reliance on chemical treatments and the potential risks they can pose to other animals.