Glasgow tops the list for pest problems in Scotland, with alarming increases in rodent and insect infestations affecting residents across the city.
Glasgow: Scotland’s pest problem is getting serious. A recent investigation shows that Glasgow has the highest number of pest infestations in the country. Rodents, cockroaches, and bedbugs are on the rise, and it’s affecting a lot of people.
Since 2019, Glasgow has seen a huge jump in pest reports. The number of rodent sightings has doubled, and over 100 people have ended up in the hospital due to rat-related injuries. That’s pretty alarming!
The data comes from Freedom of Information requests sent to local councils and housing associations. It shows that pest reports across Scotland have increased by 50%. In Glasgow alone, reports went from about 4,383 to nearly 7,800.
Many believe the actual numbers are even higher. Some councils don’t keep track of this data, and others refuse to share it. Glasgow City Council, for instance, doesn’t collect social housing pest reports, which makes it hard to get a full picture.
Despite the rise in reports, the council claims that most homes in Glasgow are pest-free. They say it’s up to residents to keep their properties clean and secure to prevent infestations.
In Govanhill, bedbugs are a major issue. Reports have skyrocketed from 90 cases in 2019 to 168 in 2023. The local housing association is working hard to tackle this problem.
Meanwhile, Edinburgh is also seeing a rise in pest issues, with reports jumping significantly. Residents are dealing with more flies, beetles, and ants too, with complaints up by 49% since 2019.
It’s clear that pest control is a growing concern in Scotland. Local authorities are being urged to take action and ensure that homes are kept in good condition to prevent these infestations.
