ITV Expert Shares Simple 50p Home Test to Detect Rat Infestations
1. The 50p Coin Test Explained
According to pest-control expert Vicki Hall, homeowners can use a 50-pence coin to identify gaps that rats may use to enter buildings.
How the test works
- Take a 50p coin.
- Check gaps around areas such as:
- doors
- air vents
- pipes
- drains
- brickwork or foundations
- Try sliding the coin into any cracks or openings.
If the coin fits through the gap, a rat could potentially squeeze through the same space.
Rats can compress their bodies to fit through surprisingly small openings, meaning even tiny gaps in walls or floors can become entry points.
Experts warn that many homeowners don’t notice these gaps until an infestation has already started. (Facebook)
2. Why Such a Small Gap Matters
Rats are extremely flexible animals.
Pest experts say:
- Rats can squeeze through holes as small as 2–2.5 cm.
- Their skeletons allow them to flatten their bodies to pass through tight spaces.
- Entry points are often found around drain pipes, vents, damaged bricks, or under doors.
The coin test works because a 50p coin is roughly the size of the smallest gap a rat may exploit, making it a quick visual guide.
3. Why Rat Activity Has Increased
Experts have warned that rat sightings have increased in many areas.
One reason is extreme weather, particularly heavy rain that floods underground burrows and forces rats to move into buildings. Pest-control companies have reported rising rodent activity compared with previous years. (ITVX)
Urban environments also provide easy access to:
- food waste
- warm shelter
- sewer systems connected to homes.
4. Other Signs of a Rat Infestation
Even if the coin test reveals entry points, homeowners should look for additional warning signs.
Common indicators include:
- scratching noises in walls or ceilings at night
- droppings near food areas
- gnawed wires or packaging
- greasy smear marks along walls
- strong ammonia-like smells.
Early detection is important because rat populations multiply quickly once they establish a nest indoors.
5. What Experts Recommend Doing Next
If the test shows gaps large enough for rats:
Seal entry points
- Use metal mesh or steel wool for holes around pipes.
- Repair broken vents or brickwork.
- Install door brushes or seals at ground level.
Reduce attractants
- Secure garbage bins.
- Avoid leaving pet food outside.
- Keep gardens and drains clear.
If signs of infestation already exist, experts recommend contacting professional pest control services.
Summary:
The simple 50p coin test promoted by an expert on This Morning helps homeowners check whether gaps around their property are large enough for rats to enter. If a 50p coin fits into a crack or hole, the opening may be big enough for a rat, meaning the area should be sealed to prevent infestations.
Below are case studies and expert comments related to the simple “50p coin test” shared by a pest-control expert on the ITV programme This Morning. The tip—explained by pest specialist Vicki Hall—helps homeowners quickly identify small openings that rats could use to enter their homes.
ITV Expert Shares Simple 50p Home Test – Case Studies and Comments
Case Study 1: Kitchen Pipe Gap in a Suburban Home
Situation
A homeowner in southern England reported hearing scratching noises behind their kitchen cabinets at night. Initially, they assumed the sound came from plumbing.
Using the coin test
After watching the segment on This Morning, the homeowner checked the area where water pipes entered the wall behind the sink. A 50p coin easily fit into the gap around the pipe.
Outcome
- Pest controllers confirmed rats were entering through the hole.
- The opening was sealed with steel wool and metal mesh.
- After sealing and installing traps, activity stopped within a week.
Lesson
Small structural gaps—often hidden behind cabinets or appliances—are among the most common rodent entry points.
Case Study 2: Garden Shed Infestation
Situation
A family storing bird seed and pet food in their backyard shed began noticing chewed packaging and droppings.
Testing the shed
Following advice from pest expert Vicki Hall, they checked the shed walls and baseboards with a coin.
Discovery
- Several small gaps between wooden boards were large enough for a coin to slide through.
- Rats had been squeezing through those spaces.
Solution
- Gaps were sealed with wire mesh and exterior sealant.
- Food storage was moved into sealed plastic containers.
Result
The infestation was eliminated without major structural repairs.
Case Study 3: Air Vent Entry Point in an Apartment Building
Situation
Residents in a multi-unit building complained of rodent activity in the hallways.
Inspection
Building maintenance used the coin test on external wall vents and brickwork.
Findings
- Several damaged ventilation covers had gaps larger than the coin size.
- Rats were entering through those vents and traveling through wall cavities.
Response
- Vent covers were replaced with rodent-proof metal grilles.
- Entry points were sealed throughout the building.
Impact
Rodent sightings dropped significantly within weeks.
Expert Comments
Pest Control Perspective
Experts say the coin test is effective because rats can compress their bodies to squeeze through surprisingly small openings.
Key insight from pest specialists:
- Rats can enter through holes roughly the size of a coin.
- Entry points often appear around:
- pipes
- drainage systems
- vents
- damaged brickwork
- door gaps.
This is why a quick visual test helps homeowners identify risks early.
Home Maintenance Professionals
Property maintenance specialists note that the test is particularly useful for older homes, where structural wear creates tiny cracks and gaps.
They advise checking:
- under kitchen sinks
- behind washing machines
- around boiler pipes
- attic vents
- garage doors.
Regular inspections can prevent infestations before they start.
Public Health and Housing Experts
Housing experts emphasize that prevention is far easier than removal.
Once rats establish nests indoors:
- populations can grow quickly
- damage to insulation, wiring, and food storage can occur
- professional extermination may become necessary.
Preventive steps like the coin test help homeowners identify vulnerabilities before rodents move in.
Key Takeaways
The 50p coin test promoted on ITV programming highlights a simple but effective prevention technique.
Main lessons from the case studies:
- Rats can enter through very small gaps.
- Hidden openings around pipes and vents are common entry points.
- A quick inspection using a 50p coin can help homeowners detect potential risks early.