Pest control experts have warned of rat infestation when hospitality companies reopen after the lockdown.
Corporations have seen a huge increase in residential callouts over the course of the pandemic, with millions of Brits being effectively home-bound for the most part in the past 12 months.
But they expect that to shift to pubs, restaurants, and bars when they reopen to the outside in April.
Experts believe that the rubbish suddenly generated by British companies will have a great attraction for rodents.
Sam Devereux of JG Pest Control in London said: “When people are more at home, the number of residences has increased.
Britain’s pubs and restaurants should be prepared for rat infestation when they reopen
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“This is the busiest winter we have ever had in 10 years.
“But now that the weather is improving and pubs, bars and restaurants are reopening, rodents will migrate elsewhere.
The nation’s pubs have been closed since the last lockdown began in December
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“We have contracts with pubs, restaurants and takeaways and while they have stopped closing we expect a busy spring and summer with them.
“As the temperature changes, they will be less inclined to take shelter in people’s homes, and this will be the perfect time when the grocery and beverage stores open again.”
Rat sightings have increased sharply during the pandemic, according to the British Pest Control Association.
The organization, which represents 700 pest control companies across the country, announced that its members saw a 51% increase in rodent activity during the initial lockdown in spring 2020 and a 78% increase when the shutdown returned in November.
Natalie Bungay, British Pest Control Association technical assistant, said: “It seems that their lifestyle is changing.
Rodents are encouraged to enjoy rubbish thrown away by hotel companies when they reopen
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“Rats, in particular, are also becoming more visible in populated areas. As less football is played in cities and towns, less food waste is left in bins and on the floor.
“Also, the trash cans behind restaurants and pubs are empty and free of food waste, making them unavailable to the local rat population.”
Mr Devereux said his company is also preparing for a bed bug infestation as the human population becomes more mobile and lockdowns seek to ease.
Business reopening is probably the perfect opportunity for hungry rats
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He said: “Bedbugs travel with clothes and when international travel picks up again there will be more movement on that front.
“It will take a few months for the infestation to germinate, but we are expecting it.
“This will be a natural phenomenon with people getting more exercise and staying in hotels and Airbnb hotels.”
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