UK weather: Floods putting UK 'at risk of plague of rats' after heavy rain this week

The UK has seen a week of heavy rain which has caused severe flooding in some areas - and pest control experts are now warning Brits of a danger from rats taking advantage by entering homes for food

Brits are being warned of rat infestations caused by heavy rain and flooding this week.

Parts of the UK have had a very wet period of weather in the last few days, with recent "danger to life" amber weather warnings for rain preceding flooding and travel disruption for many people. Some counties in southern and central England have already had more than 250% of their average September rainfall, with the month’s full provisional statistics to be released on 1 October.

Pest control body the National Pest Technicians Association is urging the public to keep food and waste secure, and check properties for any gaps, cracks, or holes where rodents scavenging for food could enter. With rodents’ usual food sources being disrupted by flooding, current weather patterns have created the ideal conditions for rodents to make their way inside homes and businesses.

NPTA technical manager Grahame Turner said: “Rats and mice will often live in burrows underground, and rats will also live in drains and sewers. “Floods can cause these spaces to become waterlogged and lead to the rodents being flushed from their normal habitat. They will seek refuge in drier, elevated areas such as homes, offices, and commercial properties including, of course, food businesses. This increases the likelihood of infestations in places that might not typically experience rodent problems.”

Mr Turner added: “Understanding how weather impacts rodent behaviour, and taking proactive steps to rodent-proof your property, can help protect your home or business from infestations. Badly constructed, poorly maintained or damaged drains and pipes can act as entry points, bringing rodents straight into your property.”

The good news is that it should turn drier if colder. Friday and Saturday will see generally drier weather develop for much of the UK, though this will coincide with a drop in temperatures as a northerly airflow develops and could introduce widespread frost on Friday night. Exceptions to the drier conditions will be some showers in northern and eastern coasts, with these sporadically drifting further in land at times.

Then for next week after a rather wet Monday, and perhaps extending into Tuesday in some eastern and southeastern areas, it should become somewhat drier and brighter more widely around midweek, states the Met Office. However, there are signals for the potential of further wet and windy weather towards the end of next week.