The rat map of Scotland has been revealed, highlighting the areas worst hit by pest problems.
New research shows the full extent of how rodents are running riot across the country, with some parts seeing a 34 percent infestation increase.
Glasgow is in first place for the highest number of infestations in 2022 with a total of 10,323 reports about rats and mice, followed by North Lanarkshire with 4,462. However, some councils saw a decrease in rodent numbers, with Renfrewshire seeing the biggest drop of 34 percent last year.
The findings come from Direct Line Home Insurance, which obtained the data through a Freedom of Information request for all UK local authorities of which 10 Scots councils responded.
In Scotland, a total of 24,442 reports were recorded in residential homes in 2022.
Figures dating back to 2020 show a total of 42,740 reports, showing an overall 53 percent drop of home rodent problems in the last two years. Data provided by the insurer doesn't account for commercial property infestations.
Rodent infestations
| Public Authority | 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | Total visits 2020 - 2022 |
Change |
City of Glasgow |
8,680 |
7,894 |
10,323 |
26,897 |
31% |
North Lanarkshire Council |
2,742 |
3,469 | 4,462 | 10,673 | 29% |
West Dunbartonshire Council |
3,919 |
3671 | 3,457 | 11,047 | -6% |
South Lanarkshire Council |
2,093 |
1,915 |
1,743 | 5,751 | -9% |
Edinburgh City Council |
458 |
1,620 |
1,568 | 3,646 | -3% |
East Ayrshire Council |
648 |
700 |
729 | 2,070 | 4% |
West Lothian Council |
648 |
760 |
696 | 2,418 | -8% |
Renfrewshire Council |
729 |
1,012 |
663 | 2,733 | -34% |
Dundee City Council |
478 |
467 |
439 | 1,384 | -6% |
Fife Council |
249 |
255 |
342 | 846 | 34% |
The research found that each UK local authority spent an average of £101,044 dealing with residential rodent problems. In total, local authorities across Great Britain could be spending an estimated £36 million tackling rodents each year.
Rats and mice are a real hazard for households. Once they enter, rodents can gnaw through walls, drywall and even electrical wiring - increasing fire risks.
Seeking shelter to build nests, rodents can also chew through other materials like insulation and piping - resulting in damp, condensation and flooding. They are also carriers of serious bacterium like salmonella and listeria, which can spread to humans through urine, droppings and contact with food preparation areas.
Glasgow saw a 31 percent rise in rodent infestations last year, while North Lanarkshire followed with 29 percent. Numbers were low in Fife in the three year period - 846 - but it saw the highest jump of 34 percent in 2022.
Meanwhile, Renfrewshire saw numbers drop from 1,058 in 2020 to 663 last year. South Lanarkshire ranked second for rodent reduction, with a nine percent decrease across three years, followed by Dundee with six percent.
Dan Simson, Head of Direct Line Home Insurance, 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."
Pest control professionals are calling for Britain to adopt positive approaches seen in other countries to tackle climbing rodent numbers. Ian Andrew, Chief Executive at the British Pest Control Association, referred to New York City, which has a regularly appointed "rat tsar" that specifically deals with infestations.
He said: "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 spokesman for Glasgow City council said: ”Glasgow City Council provides a free pest control service for residents to deal with reports of rats or mice .
“Reports from Glasgow residents of rats and mice were slightly lower in 2022 than they were in 2019 and we continue to respond quickly to calls for assistance from members of the public.
They added: "Residents have a vital role in restricting the presence of rodents in and around their property. Keeping outdoor areas tidy and well maintained will help to prevent rodents from nesting while ensuring food waste is properly contained will also deter rodents, both indoors and outdoors."
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