Cardiff: Rat sightings and pest callouts on the rise

Rats are adaptable and breed rapidly, according to the council

Rat sightings and pest control callouts have increased in the Welsh capital, according to latest figures.

Callouts to Cardiff council's own buildings increased by more than 100 between January 2022 and December 2023.

A number of private pest control companies also reported a rise in callouts.

The council has advised members of the public to ensure their food waste is disposed of properly.

Data suggests there were 289 rat sightings recorded by Cardiff council in 2022. The figure rose to 306 in 2023.

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For the same period, pest control callouts to council buildings went from 928 to 1,078.

The number of private bookings decreased from 1,414 in 2022 to 1,381 in 2023.

Anthony Davies, from private pest control service Artemis, said callouts for all pests had "definitely gone up".

"There is no doubt about that," he told the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

There has been an increase in the number of rat sightings across Cardiff

Mr Davies' company, which operates across south Wales, said it was just not Cardiff experiencing an increase.

"We get called out for all sorts, but the main [pests] that we get are usually rodents," he said.

Arrow Pest Services, which operates in Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan, said its calls had also gone up.

A council spokesperson said: "Rats are adaptable, highly mobile and breed rapidly.

"This combination makes it a difficult task to eradicate rats without suitable training."

Council's advice to prevent rat infestations

• Ensure your property is free from holes, and any vents are not damaged or missing, and that your drainage system is in good working order

• Remove potential nesting sites by keeping yards and gardens clean and tidy, and by cutting back overgrown areas

• Be aware that by feeding wild birds or other animals, you may be feeding rats as well

• Do not leave household waste where rats can access a food source

The council spokesperson continued: "It's really important that all food waste is put into your food waste caddy, and should not be put in any other bag or container for collection, as this will always attract vermin.

"Rinsing out any recyclable materials before they are put into recycling bags should help stop green recycling bags being ripped open by birds, animals or vermin scavenging for food and creating litter on our streets.

"Cardiff council does treat sewers in areas where there has been an increase in rodent sightings and we do have a paid-for service which helps eradicate rats from residents' homes."

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