New data shows Hull’s increasing cockroach and bedbug problem

Call-outs for bedbug and coackroach infestations have shot up in the last two years with hotspots revealed

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New figures show cockroach and bedbug infestations in Hull are rising sharply. Data obtained from an Environmental Information Regulations (EIR) request to Hull City Council reveals the scale of the bug infestations, while traditional rat and mouse problems begin to dwindle.

The area worst affected by cockroaches in 2024/25 was Beverley and Newland with 34 call-outs, up from just eight the year prior. Overall, cockroach call-outs have spiked to 83 – over a 1000% percent increase from two years ago, when there were just seven.

Bed bug call-outs have increased by 228% over the same period with St Andrews and Docklands being the worst affected. There were 82 call outs in 2024/25, compared with 32 in 2022/23. A Hull City Council spokesperson said: “Hull City Council offers control treatment services to deal with all pests, which are available to both residential and commercial properties, including providing permanent baiting contracts to businesses to prevent rodents.

“We would urge all residents who have issues with pests to contact us directly where we can discuss a treatment or provide free advice.” Meanwhile, rat and mouse problems appear to be on the decline for the city at large.

It is not good news everywhere though when it comes to rodents. Sutton has seen an 81% increase in call-outs for rats over the past two years.

Meanwhile, Marfleet has emerged as the area affected the most by rats with 189 call-outs in the year 2024/25, up from the past two years.

Top 5 wards for cockroaches in 2024/25

• Beverley & Newland – 34 call-outs
• Central – 15
• Avenue – 9
• St Andrews and Docklands – 8
• Marfleet – 3
• Newington and Gipsyville – 3

Top 5 wards for bedbugs in 2024/25

• St Andrews and Docklands – 14 call-outs
• Central – 13
• Newington and Gipsyville – 12
• Drypool – 8
• Avenue – 6

Top 5 wards for mice in 2024/25

• Central – 78 call-outs
• St Andrews and Docklands – 75
• West Carr – 65
• Orchard Park – 61
• Southcoates – 59

Top 5 wards for rats in 2024/25

• Marfleet – 189 call-outs
• St Andrews and Docklands – 168
• Central – 167
• Orchard Park – 161
• Drypool – 145

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