'I'm pest controller in UK's rat capital and if you spot this you have them in your home'
Mick Muldoon of Pestforce said the British high street has changed drastically - and it's leading to more rats in our homes. He said there's one thing we can do to keep them out
Caught in traffic whilst travelling to his next appointment during a hectic Wednesday schedule, a pest control expert operating in Britain's most rodent-plagued region shares insights into the rat-dominated landscape.
The primary problem, according to Mick Muldoon from Pestforce, is that the British high street has undergone dramatic transformation. Where once stood a cobbler's shop, there's now a takeaway establishment, and where bookshops previously operated, high-street coffee chains have taken their place.
This translates to increased food establishments lining our streets, consequently generating more food waste in rear alleyways, which in turn attracts greater numbers of rats. However, there are measures we can implement to prevent them from infiltrating our properties.
Mick works throughout North London - encompassing Britain's most severely affected district - Camden. He revealed it's become routine to witness 40 rats congregating in a single bin during daylight hours nowadays.
When Jessica Tisch, New York City's sanitation commissioner said: "The rats are absolutely going to hate this announcement. But the rats don't run this city, we do" - the statement became an internet sensation, reports <a href="https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/im-pest-controller-most-rat-35926990" rel="Follow" target="_self">the Mirror</a>.
Yet in London, particularly Camden - the rodents do control the metropolis. The capital overall represents Britain's most rat-plagued location.
The borough recorded a staggering 9133 rat infestations between 2023 and 2025, according to The Drain Detectives.
Mick highlighted that not long ago, refuse collections occurred weekly - nowadays they happen fortnightly. He explained this leads to local inhabitants effectively "fly tipping."
This generates substantial food waste which draws rodents.
He explained that a reliable indicator of rodents on your property is birds of prey hovering above your garden - this suggests there are rats beneath.
Mick saidr: "We are in a perpetual cycle - the conditions are just so. Rats in particular are a very clever and adaptable animal. There are a lot of construction works that disturb rat nests - we are disrupting them and providing them with more food and harbourage."
He explained that whilst rats ought to be nocturnal creatures, they are "becoming ever more comfortable around people because they don't really have a predator anymore."
One area Mick would steer clear of entirely? Garden decking.
He explained: "This provides fantastic conditions for rats."
Additionally - avoid putting food down drains.
Mick warned "nine out of ten times rats will access your home via drains."
He stressed you should constantly check for any gaps in the building's structure - "a hole the size of 50 pence piece is enough."
He continued: "From a residential point of view - unkept vegetation will attract them."
Mick highlighted the three key factors to bear in mind regarding rats.
This crucial trio represents the only elements they require to survive and flourish.
He stated these are "food source, harbourage and water."
However, ultimately he emphasised that it all simply boils down to "housekeeping."
