A freedom of information request has revealed that Dudley Council was one of the top 10 worst UK councils by percentage increase in rat and mice removal last year.

Local authority pest control teams were called out to 291,132 pest-infested homes across the UK in 2024, equating to one visit every two minutes. This represented an increase of three per cent when compared with 2023 and nine per cent when compared with 2022.
 
Data revealed that in 2024, councils responded to an additional 52 rat or mouse-related callouts per day compared to 2022, highlighting a sharp rise in rodent infestations.
 
Hospital admissions data shows that 50 people were admitted due to rat bites, though the actual number is likely much higher due to underreporting. Rodents also pose significant health risks, carrying diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria, which can spread through urine, droppings, or contamination of food preparation areas.
 
Dudley Council saw a 34% increase in rat and mice removal and neighbouring Birmingham City Council spent £169,651 on pest control in 2024, with costs expected to rise significantly in 2025 due to the ongoing bin strike, which will likely exacerbate the issue. 
 
Niall Gallagher, Technical and Compliance Manager at British Pest Control Association, says: “The statistics show a significant uptick in callouts, so it is increasingly important for residents to consider calling a professional at the first sign of pest activity.
 
“Rats and mice are a public health concern and have rapid breeding cycles, which means an infestation can quickly escalate. Bed bug infestations are tricky to deal with and horribly distressing for those that have to live alongside them, meaning a pest professional should always deal with them.
 
“BPCA members are trained and qualified professionals who can have the expertise needed to investigate a pest issue, identify the root cause, and work with householders to protect their safety, health and wellbeing.

"Please don’t put off seeking professional help if you spot signs of a pest infestation.”