Homeowners May Face Rat Plague After Warmest Summer
It’s time to take action if you are a property owner to prevent rats invading your premises as it is now officially Autumn.
Homeowners across Northern Ireland are being urged to take action to protect their properties from rats this autumn, as experts warn that a surge in rodent infestations could lead to costly repair bills.
Rodent activity is on the rise across the UK, with Northern Ireland recording the largest year-on-year increase at 26%.
From 1347-53, the bubonic plague (the Black Death) was caused by fleas from infected rats biting humans or handing infected rats took a severe toll on human life before it was brought under control.
Summer 2026 was the hottest on record for Northern Ireland, creating ideal conditions for a bumper breeding season for rats.
And as temperatures begin to drop and wetter weather sets in, rats abandon their burrows and begin their annual migration into our homes in search of food, shelter and warmth.
Home insurance experts at CompareNI.com have urged property owners to remain vigilant against vermin and take important steps now to prevent an infestation before the autumn weather drives rodents indoors.
Rat infestations can knock up to 20% off a property’s value in the UK due to the risks they pose and the damage they cause – with figures potentially reaching up to £53k based on average property prices.
It is also a legal requirement to declare the presence of rodents during the sale of a house – failing to do so can be seen as mis-selling a home and can lead to legal action.
Homeowners are urged to be on the lookout for early signs of rats and take steps to prevent an infestation to avoid long term damage, protect their family’s health, and avoid costly repair bills.
With estimates putting the number of rats in the UK anywhere between 10.5 and 120 million, it’s important that homeowners know what to watch out for.
Ian Wilson, home insurance expert and Managing Director at CompareNI.com said: “Rats are more than just a nuisance, they can lead to serious problems for homeowners by causing structural damage to properties, such as gnawing through electric cables, pipes, insulation and even woodwork.
“Most standard home insurance policies do not cover damage caused by vermin, as infestations are typically considered a preventable maintenance issue rather than an unforeseen risk.
“This means homeowners could be left facing a potentially hefty repair bill if the problem is not tackled early.
“With the colder weather fast approaching, now is the time for homeowners to check their properties for any gaps or holes where rats could find their way in, keep outdoor areas tidy and fix any leaks or drainage issues.
“Taking these simple steps now can help homeowners avoid a much bigger and more costly problem down the line.”
Six ways to help protect your home from rats:
1.Seal entry points
Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to close any gaps, cracks, and holes in walls, foundations, and around doors and windows.
2.Maintain cleanliness
Kitchens, pantries and food storage should be kept clean and free of any crumbs or spills, and food should be kept in airtight containers.
3.Reduce outdoor attractions
Avoid leaving rotting food in compost, clear garden debris where rats can nest, and trim back any trees or shrubs so branches aren’t too close to the house.
4.Limit water sources
Ensure gutters and drains are clean, and fix any leaking taps or pipes. Rats are attracted to standing water.
5.Use deterrents
Deterrents like peppermint oil, ammonia, or ultrasonic devices all work well to help keep rats away.
6. Get a cat.
Most domestic cats will tackle a rat and are a good deterrent especially if they go out for a stroll on their patch in the evening or at night.. and aren’t overfed.
While standard home insurance doesn’t normally cover rat infestations, there are add-on policies such as home emergency cover which can help with the cost of removing the infestation.
Buildings cover may also help with any adverse side effects from the infestation, such as water damage from gnawed pipes, but homeowners need to check their policy for details.
(As a price comparison site, CompareNI.com helps customers find savings on all sorts of essentials, such as home and landlord insurance.)
