Disease-carrying rodents and insects are infesting social housing in Scotland as tenants grapple with ‘systematic failures’. A recent alarming report highlights the invasion of pests like rats, cockroaches, and bed bugs in social housing homes since 2019. The investigation conducted by Glasgow Live reveals a doubling in reports across Scotland, with Glasgow being labelled the pest capital of the country.
Data from a Freedom of Information Request sent to every Scottish council and housing association shows a significant increase in pest reports from 22,967 in 2019 to 31,557 in 2023. In Glasgow alone, reports surged from 4383 to 7790. However, the actual numbers are believed to be higher as some authorities do not hold or disclose such data. Glasgow City Council, for instance, does not collect social housing pest reports despite housing associations advising residents to report to the council directly.
Residents in various areas have raised concerns about the infestations. Craig Lawrie from Tollcross Housing Association shared his ordeal of living in appalling conditions due to a rat infestation. There have been reports of rats chasing workmen out of homes and rodents seen fighting in the streets. Some residents have described their homes being infested with bed bugs, cockroaches, and maggots dropping through ceilings.
Issues such as reduced bin collections, cuts to cleansing teams, the COVID-19 pandemic, poor housing quality, and underlying social problems are believed to contribute to the rise in pests. Glasgow Live has been receiving regular videos from residents showing rat infestations across the city, with Glasgow alone witnessing a 116 percent increase in rodent reports in social housing.
While Glasgow leads in rodent problems, Edinburgh is facing a surge in bedbug and cockroach infestations, with reports tripling since 2019. The grim situation has left residents like Sharon Smith emotionally distressed after being moved to a hotel room infested with bed bugs just before Christmas. The housing crisis demands urgent attention and action to ensure the well-being of tenants living in social housing across Scotland.