Bug’s life: Over £450,000 spent on pest control in Parliament since 2020

EMBARGO: Immediate Release

• 549 pest control instances were reported in Parliament in the last year

• Problem pests included mice, moths and flies

Written Parliamentary Questions (WPQs) from Liberal Democrat MP, Sarah Olney, have revealed £460,938 has been spent on pest control on the Parliamentary Estate since 2020. 

The figures showed that money spent on tackling the pests was gradually increasing, rising from £109,563 in 2020/21 to £126,162 in 2022/23. So far in 2023/24, Parliamentary authorities have spent £102,850 in tackling the issue. 

Alarmingly, 549 pest control instances were reported in the last year across the Parliamentary Estate. This included 348 instances of mice, 61 of moths and 33 related to flies. 

Figures have also shown that currently, 751 moth monitoring devices are currently installed across the premises, showing the scale of the problem faced. 

Liberal Democrat Frontbencher, Sarah Olney MP said: 

“People often say that Conservative infighting in Parliament is akin to watching rats in a sack, but now we know they have some very real competition. 

“The Palace of Westminster is the heart of British democracy, and these figures raise questions. Mice may pose a significant health risk and moths could cause significant damage to the many historic furnishings and textiles housed in the building. 

“It is important that action is taken to ensure these historical items are protected and that Parliament remains a safe and clean place to work as quickly as possible.” 

ENDS

Notes to Editors: 

Reported by the Sun here.

WPQ on pest control costs and incident breakdown here. 

WPQ on moth infestations here.