REVEALED: Counties with the most rat callouts in 2023
Rats represented 43% of pest callouts
Rentokil Ireland has revealed that rodents, flies and midges accounted for the majority of its pest callouts across the country in 2023. Rats represented 43% of pest callouts, followed by flies (24%) and midges (18%).
The highest number of rat callouts for Rentokil in 2023 was in Dublin, with counties in its Northwest region, which covers Cavan, Donegal, Leitrim, Monaghan, Mayo, Roscommon, and Sligo, experiencing a large callout volume for flies. Limerick took the top spot for callout volume relating to midges.
As rats claimed the top spot in Rentokil's 2023 total service callout requests, the company is urging home and business owners to remain vigilant against rodents in the current conducive conditions. During colder weather, rats and mice will typically seek shelter, warmth, and food indoors, potentially causing damage to premises, and stored goods, as well as spreading diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonellosis.
Flies and midges are also featured in Rentokil's 2023 pest control callout records. Flies are recognised as pests due to the inherent health risks they pose to humans, pets, and livestock. Their ability to infest homes and businesses makes them vectors for diseases like Salmonella and E. coli. Midges are universally acknowledged for their annoyance and nasty and itchy bites, which can cause different reactions in humans, ranging from a small reddish welt to local allergic reactions.