UK households warned one animal inside house could cost you £53k

Experts are urging households to stay vigilant and tackle problems early when it comes to this notorious pest. The country faces a predicted surge, partly caused by the warmest summer on record. Even having insurance coverage won't cover damages.

In addition to posing significant health risks, rats will quite happily derail the value of your house, as much as 20%, according to Saddat Abid, CEO of PropertySaviour.co.uk. In real terms, this could total as much as £53,663 on the average UK home, based on Land Registry data showing an average value of £268,319.

Luckily, there's a lot more you can do than just look for droppings, rub marks, and gnawed holes in bags. From in-house adjustments to gardening, using natural deterrents, and gutter maintenance, experts are now recommending five key measures you can take before resorting to expensive pest control.

Whether you are selling your home or not, an acceleration in rodent breeding season threatens to bring costly repair bills, damage to your family's health, and long-term damage to your property.

Rats are particularly powerful in undermining house value, not just because of the significant wear and tear they cause, but also because, legally, they must be declared during the sale of a house.

Failure to do so can be seen as mis-selling a home, which could then lead to legal action and potentially cancel a sale.

Alongside one of the warmest summers on record, food waste has created optimal conditions for rats to breed and thrive. Droppings, urine, and bites expose humans and pets to various illnesses.

Greg Wilson, home insurance expert and CEO at Quotezone, warns: "Rats are far more than just a nuisance - these unwanted intruders are a serious threat to properties and household finances.

"It's important to act at the first sign of rodent activity, whether the property is on the market or not. Early intervention can prevent costly repairs and ensure the home remains safe and insurable."

Most insurance providers won't even cover damages caused by rats, because infestation isn't considered an unforeseen risk.

Gregg elaborates: "When homeowners take out home insurance, they agree the property will be well-maintained and cared for.

"Incidents that arise due to wear and tear will not likely be covered and leave owners vulnerable - making it crucial to do property checks now, before the darker evenings arrive, sealing any gaps and making sure food sources can't be accessed."

Essentially, insurers expect homeowners to keep up with maintenance, and most won't cover damages. With an average rat exterminator costing £180, pest control isn't exactly cheap. To stay on top of prevention, homeowners should take the following key measures:

Seal entry points - Use steel wool, wire mesh, or caulk to close any gaps, cracks, and holes in walls, foundations, and around doors and windows.

Maintain cleanliness - Kitchens, pantries and food storage should be kept clean and free of any crumbs or spills, and food should be kept in airtight containers.

Reduce outdoor attractions - Avoid leaving rotting food in compost, clear garden debris where rats can nest, and trim back any trees or shrubs so branches don't touch the house.

Limit water sources - Ensure gutters and drains are clean, and fix any leaking taps or pipes. Rats are attracted to standing water.

Use deterrents - Natural deterrents like peppermint oil, ammonia, or ultrasonic devices all work well to help keep rats away.

Of course, professional pest control may be needed for large infestations or persistent problems. A professional will come to assess and treat your property.

While standard home insurance doesn't normally cover rat infestations, add-on policies such as home emergency cover can help with the cost of removing the infestation.

Checking your building's cover policy is also worthwhile. There might be coverage for side effects from infestations, such as water damage from gnawed pipes.