Pest controllers were called to a Welsh hospital 359 times in four years, according to a Freedom of Information request. Rats, mice, and fleas were among the most common reasons for callouts to Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in Denbighshire between the start of 2021 and the end of 2024.
Year-by-year breakdown
The hospital called pest control 91 times in 2021, 92 times in 2022, 131 times in 2023, and 45 times in 2024. The Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board data also revealed problems with ants, flies, birds, and wasps at the hospital.
Every hospital in north Wales is contracted for eight visits a year, but the figures relate to additional callouts.
Other hospitals affected
Wrexham hospital had similar issues, with 314 pest control callouts in the same period. Rats, flies, wasps, gulls, and pigeons were among the problems. The breakdown shows 149 callouts in 2021, 102 in 2022, 45 in 2023, and 18 in 2024.
Ysbyty Gwynedd in Bangor had 127 callouts between 2021 and 2024, facing issues with ants, gulls, flies, wasps, pigeons, rats, and mice. The yearly figures were 26, 42, 36, and 23 for 2021, 2022, 2023, and 2024 respectively.
Smaller hospitals also reported high numbers. Rhyl Alexandra Hospital had 70 callouts in the same four years, Llandudno had 91, Colwyn Bay had 51, Abergele had 106, and Bryn y Neuadd had 93.
Rat sightings earlier this year
The Local Democracy Reporting Service reported earlier this year that rats had been spotted at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd in February after chewing through walls. The rats were reported at the Ivor Lewis building, a pre-operation assessment clinic for patients awaiting surgery.
Stuart Keen, director of environment and estates for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: "We would note that the information referenced relates to a Freedom of Information response published in 2024 and reflects activity up to that period."
He added: "Pest control arrangements continue to be managed routinely; however, given the size and complexity of our hospital sites, particularly those in rural locations surrounded by open land, occasional pest sightings can occur despite ongoing prevention and monitoring measures. We have clear procedures in place to respond promptly and effectively whenever issues are identified."
He also said: "Regarding the small number of rat sightings within the Ivor Lewis Building at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd earlier this year, following rapid remedial works we have had no further incidents reported."
