Britain is bracing for what experts are calling a “winter of rats”, as soaring rodent populations threaten to invade homes in record numbers. Following one of the hottest summers on record, pest experts warn that rat and mouse infestations are likely to spike dramatically as temperatures fall and millions of rodents head indoors in search of food and shelter.
The explosion in numbers has been fuelled by ideal breeding conditions over the summer months, which have allowed populations to multiply faster than usual. As the cold sets in, the rodents are expected to scurry into lofts, garages, basements and kitchens — wreaking havoc along the way.
The consequences can be both unpleasant and costly.
Once inside, rats and mice can chew through electrical wires, increasing the risk of fire, as well as tearing apart insulation, contaminating food supplies, and leaving behind droppings that pose potential health risks.
Repairing the damage can cost homeowners hundreds of pounds.
However, DIY expert Simon Wardle, of Armstrong Supplies, has revealed a simple and budget-friendly solution that could save households a fortune.
Costing as little as £2 from retailers such as Dunelm, steel wool can be used to block rodents from entering properties.
“Both rats and mice are experts at squeezing through the tiniest holes,” Wardle explained.
“A mouse can get through a gap the size of a 5p coin, while rats can push through spaces as small as two centimetres. But neither species can chew through steel wool, making it one of the cheapest and most effective barriers you can put in place.”
Wardle recommends inspecting properties thoroughly for gaps around vents, pipes, floorboards and exterior walls.
Any potential entry points should be tightly packed with steel wool and, for added security, sealed with caulking or adhesive to keep the material firmly in place.
Unlike traps or poison, steel wool provides a humane and eco-friendly deterrent that prevents rodents from getting inside in the first place.
With infestations already on the rise, experts are urging homeowners not to wait until it is too late. “Identifying and sealing entry points before the cold weather sets in could save a lot of stress, damage and money this winter,” Wardle said.
