{"id":21937,"date":"2024-10-23T16:53:32","date_gmt":"2024-10-23T15:53:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.co.uk\/blog\/?p=21937"},"modified":"2025-05-09T10:27:13","modified_gmt":"2025-05-09T09:27:13","slug":"rat-infestations-after-storms-and-flooding","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.co.uk\/blog\/rat-infestations-after-storms-and-flooding\/","title":{"rendered":"Rat Infestations After Storms & Flooding | Pest Control Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

While dealing with the immediate impact and damage caused by heavy rain, storms, and flooding, like recent storm Ashley we often focus on the visible consequences: damaged properties, flooded roads, and disrupted daily life. However, there is a less obvious but equally significant threat lurking beneath the surface: rats<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can rats swim?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Yes, rats are very capable swimmers. They can dive through strong currents to enter exposed pipes and sewers and are known to swim up to a half mile stretch of open water without stopping. What they struggle to cope with is being submerged for lengthy periods of time. So, when their burrows and sewers they frequent are deluged with heavy rain or storm water, they are forced to seek refuge elsewhere.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\"adult<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Why rats can thrive after flooding<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Rats are incredibly adaptable, and they will take advantage of wet, water-logged conditions if they can. Flooding may drive them from their underground burrows, forcing them to higher, drier ground. But they will instinctively look for safer, warmer places to live (in basements, cavity walls, lofts, and void spaces) and new food sources to replace those lost through flooding. This often leads to rats, invading residential homes and commercial properties in areas that have not previously experienced rodent problems in their search for new harbourages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flooding can also weaken building structures, creating new entry points for rodents. These vulnerabilities may not be immediately apparent but can provide easy access for persistent pests.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The impact of rodents on people and properties<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

The presence of rats in homes and businesses can pose a serious health risk. As well as the damage they can cause to properties and contents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n