‘Sharp' increase in rat and mouse activity in Ireland, new figures show
Pest control provider Rentokil reported a rise in pests' activity nationwide between January and March of 2025, compared to the same period last year.
There was a 45pc increase in rat-related activity, with mouse-related activity rising by 39pc nationally during this period.
Meanwhile, the regional data has shown significant variations across the country.
The most substantial rise was recorded in Cork, with a 107pc increase in rat activity and a 93pc rise in mouse activity.
It is followed by the Limerick region, where the rat activity was up by 16pc and mouse activity rose by 47pc.
The border, midlands, west and northwest region, including Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Mayo, Roscommon and Sligo, saw a 12pc increase in rat activity and a 43pc rise in mouse activity.
Rats remain the most common pests affecting Irish properties, which can cause serious structural damage by chewing through utility lines, electrical wiring and insulation.
Mice, while smaller, pose similar risks and can often go unnoticed until infestations are well-established.
Common signs of rat or mouse activity include droppings, scratching noises in walls or ceilings, footprints and gnaw marks.
The company said businesses should also be alert to the reputational damage and health risks associated with infestations, including the spread of disease through contact with rodent droppings or urine.
Regional technical manager for Rentokil, Colm Moore, said: "The significant increases we're seeing in both rat and mouse activity highlight the need for vigilance.'
"We're urging home and business owners to act early by identifying the signs of pest presence and securing their properties,' he added.
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