Most of Ireland's rodent-infested counties are revealed as Dublin leads the rat race

Dublin is the country's most infested rodent county, revealing new statistics on rats released today.

The capital accounts for 32% of all Rentokil calls made throughout Ireland since the beginning of the year.

The pest control official said he had recorded a 34% increase in the number of calls regarding mice and rats from January to October compared to the same period in 2017, reports Dublin Live.

The company attributes the increased activity of rodents to the combination of an increase in construction work in the city, a hot summer and a subsequent drop in temperatures later in the year.

Dublin is the county that has recorded the highest number of calls for this filthy vermin, with 32% of all calls to the capital.

Galway (11%), Clare (9%) and Limerick (8%) are the next counties most affected by rats and mice.

Rentokil said the unprecedented warm summer period provided ideal conditions for the growth and multiplication of rodent populations.

As this is the norm for the fall and winter months, rodent food becomes scarce as temperatures drop.

Rentokil said the large population of rats and mice had already begun moving inland as the temperature in Dublin collapsed.

And pest experts predict that rodent infestations will continue to increase, warning households and businesses to be extremely vigilant in the approach of the winter.

Dr. Colm Moore, of the company, said: "Rentokil has a peak call for rodents every year in the fall, as the rodent population begins to move indoors to escape the cold.

"Notably, in 2018, this annual spike increased 45% and occurred a month earlier than the year before.

"Rodents have begun to move inland earlier and in greater numbers, and we think this may be due to extreme weather conditions resulting from climate change."

There are a number of signs to watch for that will indicate the presence of rats or mice in your home.

These include the presence of rodent droppings, night-time scratching noises from interior walls, floor slats or attics.

Rats and mice also leave traces of grease or stains on the walls as they pbad in front of them.

To avoid attracting rodents into your home, follow these simple tips:

• Store foods in metal or glbad containers with tight fitting lids
• Tidy inside the house and around the garden – less clutter means fewer places to hide
• Place garbage bags in metal bins with lids tight enough to prevent them from feeding.
• Clean pet food and bird seed debris and store food in strong containers with fitted lids, preferably above the ground.
• Keep gardens free of debris – If you have a pile of compost, do not include organic food waste, as this will attract them.