Giant rats are set to sweep the country this winter, according to one expert and founder of the Yorkshire Rat Pack, Kieran Sampler.
UK households warned to ‘shut toilet lids’ as ‘bad’ epidemic sweeps England
UK households have been urged to secure their toilet seats as the threat of an epidemic sweeps u-bends. Giant rats are set to sweep the country this winter, according to one expert and founder of the Yorkshire Rat Pack, Kieran Sampler.
This week, Mr Sampler shared how the average rats in the UK are now 19 inches. Speaking to The Telegraph, Sampler said: “It is going to be a bad winter for rats, and people don’t realise – it is going to be horrendous.
“Over the years, it has been getting worse. The rats are getting a lot bigger. We are catching up to 22-inch rats, 19-inch rats are now standard – they are like a chihuahua.”
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In the UK it’s estimated that there are around 250 million rats according to The Telegraph. Pest Defence says: “You will probably notice signs of clawing and gnawing around your home, but more concentrated around any small gaps and cracks that act as an entry point along walls and floors.
“Outside of your building, you may notice holes in the ground that act as a burrow entry down into the ground around the property.”
Rentokil adds: “Rats have been known to swim up damaged sewer pipes and get round u-bends in toilets, so get into the habit of keeping toilet seat lids closed.
“They will also use drain pipes and drainage outlets. Use tightly fitting metal grates or screens to cover drains, especially in basement areas. Regularly check pipe work and ensure any breakage is fixed immediately.”
They add: “Rats are nimble, versatile and make the most of any opportunity to enter your home. Black rats are good climbers and will happily inhabit lofts.
“Whilst brown rats can climb, they prefer to build burrows, particularly near or beneath solid structures like sheds, garages and walls.
“They are very adept at swimming in sewers and drain systems, making the most of any damaged pipework. Both species will gnaw at gaps to enlarge them enough for easy entry.”