ALERT: Rats and mice invade Irish homes in their thousands amid major warning

There has been a huge spike in callouts for rats and mice in Irish homes with two areas pinpointed as being particularly badly affected.

Rentokil, Ireland’s leading pest control provider, has reported a 42% increase in recorded rat activity and a 38% increase in recorded mice activity nationwide in early 2025 compared to the same period last year. The company is advising homeowners and businesses to take immediate preventative measures as infestations continue to rise.

Several regions have experienced notable surges in activity, with Cork witnessing the most significant increase in 94% rise in rat-related activity and a 44% increase in mice activity in January. The Northwest region has seen a sharp 60% rise in mice activity, while Dublin recorded a 29% increase in rat infestations.

Colm Moore, Regional Technical Manager for Rentokil, said: "The surge in both rat and mice infestations across the country highlights the urgent need for property owners to stay vigilant. Mice and rats can cause significant damage by chewing through electrical wiring, insulation, and structural materials. Recognising early signs of infestations, such as droppings, scratching noises, and gnawed materials, is key to preventing a small problem from escalating into a costly issue."

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Rodent infestations are not just a nuisance; they can result in serious financial and operational disruptions. In addition to causing damage to infrastructure, rats and mice pose a health risk by spreading bacteria and disease through their urine and droppings. For businesses, an infestation can have severe reputational consequences, particularly in industries such as hospitality, retail, and food production.

“Rentokil urges all property owners to take preventative action by sealing potential entry points, maintaining proper sanitation, and installing rodent-proofing solutions like Flexi Armour. More information on how to identify and prevent infestations is available on the Rentokil website," Colm Moore added.