In the last year alone there were 2,784 complaints
The number of rat-related pest complaints to Cardiff Council has more than doubled since 2015/16.
An FOI request submitted by The Cardiffian has revealed that rat complaints to Cardiff Council have been rising steadily since 2012/13.
From April 2015 to April 2016 there were 1,385 complaints about rats and the numbers have risen steadily to 2,784 in 2020/21.
A council spokesperson said: “These figures can in no way be used to suggest that the rat population has doubled.
They merely show reports to the council on possible rat sightings or infestations have risen and this could be for any number of reasons.”
The steady increase could be down to the council expanding its pest control services, having recently introduced online reporting to make it easier to log rat sightings.
Another factor could be people spending more time at home more throughout the pandemic and noticing more rat activity as a result.
Dr Sarah Perkins, a senior bioscience lecturer at Cardiff University, said: “It is very hard to tease apart the effect of increased reports of rats from actual real population change.
“Did we just have more eyes on the ground? Is it a real increase or were we just noticing more?”
In April 2020, the British Pest Control Association (BCPA) carried out a study that showed 51% of the pest professionals polled had seen an increase in rat activity.
The BCPA attributed the rise to empty buildings, deserted streets and reduced footfall.
As of January 18, 2022, the council had 181 empty houses across Cardiff.
Gareth Davies, owner of Pest & Drone Solutions Ltd, based in Llanrumney, said: “Rats are definitely on the increase and its down to several things: waste collections have reduced which leaves more food on the streets, mild winters and the local councils do not carry out sewer treatments.”
Residents in Splott and Tremorfa have noticed an increase in rat activity over the last few years.
Kirstie Lian Golden, 44, of Inchmarnock Street in Splott, said: “I’ve lived in Splott for over 15 years and not had many problems with rats until recently.
“Christmas Day this year was ruined by a rat in the garden which my dog killed. Since then both my dogs have killed four rats. I’ve used poison and it had no effect. I’m now petrified to use my own garden.”
Laura Davies, 36, from Tremorfa, said: “Rats have definitely increased over the years. The council have received so many complaints about the rubbish in people’s front and back gardens but nothing seems to have been done.
“I called the council to have the drains cleaned – most around here are blocked to the top with sludge, rubbish and weeds. They said people have to report their own streets.”
