Rat and mice reported figures revealed in Glasgow

Research from a Freedom of Information request revealed that an increase in mice indoors that contributed to a rise in the overall number of rodent reports across the city. Between 2020 and 2021 the number of mice and rats reported in living areas and sightings of rats outside fell from 8680 to 7894, but rose again to 10,323 by 2022.

There were 20 rat sightings on average every day, with the majority – 5939 – concerning incidents outside or in ‘non living areas’. The total number of rodent complaints was slightly lower than pre-pandemic, with figures in 2019 showing there were a total of 10,392 reports. And while the numbers of rats seen both in living areas and outside has risen, from 6170 to 7387, the number of mice reported in living areas has fallen significantly, with 4222 reports in 2019 and just 2936 in 2022.

The council urged residents to keep outdoor areas tidy and ensure food waste was properly contained to try and deter rodents, and said its free pest control service aimed to deal with all reports quickly. Glasgow’s Labour health spokesperson, councillor Elaine McDougal said the figures were “utterly damning”, adding that it was time to put the health and well-being of its citizens first.

She added, “This revelation from the trade union movement on the state of our city is utterly damning. The priority of any administration is to put the health and well-being of its citizens first and it is clear the SNP has completely failed its duty to do so. It’s time for this SNP administration to get off its backside and clean up the city for the sake of our citizens. They deserve better than this.’

SNP councillor Ruairi Kelly insisted that the council was recruiting dozens of new cleansing staff, and securing a £22 million budget for cleansing and recycling facilities while doubling the roads maintenance budget.

Councillor Kelly said, “Even in the midst of the most turbulent economic and financial context local government has experienced in generations we’re recruiting dozens of new cleansing staff, securing £22 million for new cleansing and recycling facilities and doubling the roads maintenance budget. We’ll continue to fight for every penny from the national government to ensure we have the resources to deliver for our citizens and staff.”

A SNP council source added: “Councillor McDougall maybe forgets she was part of a Labour administration whose discrimination against female workers is costing this city hundreds of millions of pounds, money which could’ve gone into front line services. Glasgow certainly deserves better than that.”

A council spokesman said: “Glasgow City Council provides a free pest control service for residents to deal with reports of rats or mice.

“Reports from Glasgow residents of rats and mice were slightly lower in 2022 than they were in 2019 and we continue to respond quickly to calls for assistance from members of the public. Residents have a vital role in restricting the presence of rodents in and around their property. Keeping outdoor areas tidy and well maintained will help to prevent rodents from nesting while ensuring food waste is properly contained will also deter rodents, both indoors and outdoors.”