Ireland's leading pest controller has warned rats and mice could be taking over empty buildings during the lockdown.
Renotkil also revealed Dublin counts for nearly a third of all their rodent callouts, with 31% of battles against the vermin occurring in the capital.
The company believe that, because rats and mice will naturally seek out food and shelter, unoccupied buildings provide a warm and safe space for them away from humans, providing a "perfect breeding ground".
Closed restaurants are especially at risk, they say, as rodents will look to break inside the building instead of scavenging in empty bins.
The company are predict a sharp increase in rodent-related callouts as businesses reopen as the Covid-19 lockdown eases.
They said: “Empty buildings are under serious threat of infestations from rodents during the lockdown period.
"Rats and mice can access premises quite easily, through very small gaps or cracks, and can then settle there and multiply in numbers.
"Where possible, companies should seek to utilise unmanned pest control solutions to combat the presence of these pests in vacant buildings.”
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