Is there a rat in your kitchen?

Searches for “rat infestations” have surged across the UK following reports of a Hantavirus outbreak linked to the MV Hondius cruise ship, according to new analysis.

Google Trends data shows searches for the term have risen by 177 per cent since the outbreak was first reported in April 2026, amid growing public concern about the health risks associated with rodents in homes and businesses.

Now a pest control expert is warning that many homeowners may be missing the hidden signs of an infestation until the problem has become well established.

James Copley, chief executive of Copley Pest Solutions, said rats are among the hardest pests to detect because they are naturally cautious and tend to remain hidden while repeatedly using the same routes through walls, lofts and floor spaces.

He said: “When homeowners begin noticing signs of rats, it’s often already an infestation rather than a one-off occurrence.”

According to the expert, rats are primarily attracted to warm, dry areas with easy access to food, making loft spaces, wall cavities, behind kitchen units and beneath floorboards particularly vulnerable.

Rats will eat almost anything, including food waste, insulation and even electrical cables.

Mr Copley warned that rats are capable of entering homes through surprisingly small openings.

“All it takes is a gap around the width of your thumb,” he said. “Broken pipes, cracked brickwork or poorly fitted kitchen units can all provide easy access.”

Among the early warning signs homeowners should look out for are grease marks along skirting boards or walls, caused by rats repeatedly travelling the same paths through a property.

Other indicators include small dark droppings, gnaw marks on cables or woodwork and hollow-sounding walls where rodents may be moving behind the structure.

Pet behaviour can also provide an early clue.

“If your cat or dog suddenly becomes fixated on a particular wall, floor or cupboard, it may indicate movement behind the structure,” Mr Copley added.

To reduce the risk of infestation, homeowners are being advised to seal small gaps around their properties using sealant, mesh or cement where appropriate.

Experts also recommend ensuring bins are tightly sealed and compost areas are secured, as accessible waste can attract rodents.

While rat poison can sometimes help tackle an infestation, Mr Copley warned that it is rarely a complete solution unless entry points are also addressed.

“If you don’t fix the access points, you’re only delaying the problem,” he said.

He also warned that untreated infestations can create serious fire risks due to rats chewing through electrical wiring.

Copley Pest Solutions, which began in Bradford and now operates nationwide, said early intervention remains the best defence against a growing infestation.