Pest patterns have changed considerably under the lockdowns introduced in the UK during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Empty buildings, a lack of food and quieter streets saw members of British Pest Control Association (BPCA) report a significant increase in rodent activity during the spring lockdown.

And, as colder temperatures started to drive rats and mice indoors, the second lockdown in November provided a greater increase in the likelihood of a pest infestation.

Fast forward to the New Year and plunging temperatures around the start of the third lockdown will be certain to have an impact on pest numbers too.

All this reinforces the importance of effective pest control, to protect public health and safety, and prevent the reputational damage to a business that an infestation can cause.

During the UK-wide Covid-19 lockdown last spring, 51 per cent of BPCA members reported an increase in rodent activity. In October, 78 per cent of pest controllers polled reported increased rat sightings, with 63 per cent noting a rise in mouse-related incidents.

In the first lockdown, BPCA had reports of rats and mice infesting areas that they were not normally seen in, such as empty buildings, and it seemed their lifestyle patterns were changing.

Rats in particular were also becoming more visible in areas of population. With less footfall across cities and towns, there was less associated food waste being left in bins and on the floor. Also, bin areas behind restaurants and pubs were empty and free of food waste which was not available for the local rat population.

As a result, rat populations were likely to move further afield to satisfy their need for a food source and this, in turn, was likely to cause more sightings.

By nature, rats try to avoid humans directly and so, with less of us walking the streets, they were perhaps getting a little bolder and possibly being seen in areas they normally wouldn’t.