ITV expert’s 50p check could show that rats can get in your home as plague hits UK

The persistent rain has left burrow networks flooded, displacing rats and meaning they’re sneaking into homes, experts say

A pest control expert has said rats could be invading people’s homes without them realising. Appealing on ITV’s This Morning Vicki Hall said people can use a 50p coin to carry out a simple test to check if their house is rat-proof.

It comes as warnings are growing that the UK is facing a plague of rats following an unusually wet start to 2026. The persistent rain has left burrow networks flooded, displacing rats and increasing the likelihood of infestations.

Rentokil Pest Control said it had recorded a 10% year-on-year increase in confirmed rodent activity, with large regional spikes in Northern Ireland and northern England. Northern Ireland recorded the largest increase of 26%, followed by Yorkshire (20%) and north-west England (19%).

Several other regions, including the West Midlands (16%) and Scotland (14%) also had double-digit rises. Rentokil said longer-term climate patterns could be contributing to the increase, including 2025 being the UK’s warmest year on record.

It said milder weather could increase rat reproduction by extending their breeding season and leading to larger populations.

Ms Hall, brandishing the coin, said: “Just for demonstration purposes, a rat can actually get through the hole the size of a 50p piece. So basically, if the head can get through and normally they collapse their skull, if the head can get through.”

Horrified host Ben Shephard asked: “Wait hold on, they collapse the skull?” Ms Hall said: “Yes, so it has like a little, a bit where it goes over, it overlaps. So once it goes over, then the rest of the body can tend to get through. Most of the time, and we done one yesterday, where we took this out, a rat was getting in. The ingress point was literally around the perimeter of the property.

“So look, look around, go around with your 50p. I always say go round with a big pen, if I’m honest, because mice can get through smaller. If we’re on about rats, 50p. Go round, check around your pipework, check gaps around the perimeter of your property.”

Rat activity in UK properties has significantly increased over the last year, thought to be due to a record hot summer and exacerbated by recent wet weather. Rentokil warned that the record-breaking wet start to 2026 across the UK could also lead to higher levels of rat activity.

Sustained heavy rain can flood burrow systems and drainage networks, displacing rats and increasing the likelihood of infestations as they seek higher, drier shelter, it said.

Paul Blackhurst, from Rentokil, said: “Rats are highly capable swimmers. They can navigate strong currents, enter exposed pipes and sewers, and swim considerable distances in open water.

“However, what they cannot tolerate is prolonged submersion. When burrow systems and sewer networks flood, rats are forced to seek higher, drier ground, increasing the risk of infestations in properties.

“With northern regions already reporting notable increases in reported activity, continued wet weather may push more rats into properties. Early prevention and professional support are key.

“Simple steps such as proofing entry points, managing waste effectively and responding quickly to early signs of activity can make a significant difference. If a problem does become unmanageable, professional pest control experts are always on hand to provide safe and effective solutions.”

After periods of heavy rain, storms and flooding, property owners are advised to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of rodent activity, including:

• Clearing debris promptly by removing fallen branches, leaves and other items that may have accumulated around the property, as these create ideal hiding and nesting spots for rats.
• Sealing potential entry points.
• Inspecting the walls and foundations of the property for gaps, as rats can squeeze through “surprisingly small” openings.
• Removing sources of food by ensuring outdoor bins are sturdy, fitted with tight lids and positioned away from building walls where possible.