Businesses in Brighton are being urged to prepare themselves against the threat of rats as experts say the risk of infection will increase as rodents seek shelter during the Easter holiday shutdown.

Owners of empty warehouses, factories and offices are being urged to do all they can to keep their premises pest-free by undertaking steps to minimise the risk of an infestation.

Rob Simpson, managing director of professional pest control registry Basis Prompt, said: “Rats are intelligent creatures able to adapt and replenish their numbers very quickly...anywhere that offers a dry space with little human traffic is ideal.”

He added: “Pest control should be an integral part of routine maintenance for any business – it’s also a requirement to pass audits for licensing and accreditation.

“Companies which ignore it can end up paying the price in the long term, so it’s far more cost effective to take preventative measures.”