An enormous rat the “size of a small cat or dog” has been found inside a home and it could become a new horror regular for UK households. The potentially record-breaking rat in UK terms was said to measure approximately 22 inches long from nose to tail.
Discovered recently in a property in Normanby, Teesside, by a pest controller that had been called to investigate, the dead rat had been making its home within the dwelling. The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) has been told the dead mammal had been nesting in the home. It has been likened to a “sewer rat” and, while it is unknown how it accessed the property, rats have been spotted running loose throughout the vicinity in neighbouring back lanes.
In a Facebook post Eston Ward councillor David Taylor described public bins in the area as “overflowing” with shops, particularly takeaways, dumping items in them and providing “easy food” for rodents.
He also described vergrown vegetation on public land, providing hiding spaces for rats as another major issue and noted that rate sightings were on the rise.
Cllr Taylor said: “The longer this is ignored, the worse it will get. It is a growing problem.”
He described the rat as “massive”, likening it to a small cat or dog, he said he had been told by pest control workers that a typical sewer rat could get that big.
Issuing a stark warning cllr Taylor added: “They’ll keep multiplying and unless there is a big cull in the area, people will keep experiencing this.”
He commended the council’s ground workers for doing “an absolutely amazing job” but called for stronger leadership from the council regarding the issue. The councillor acknowledged that the extensive measures required would “cost a fortune” but stressed the health risks posed by the burgeoning problem.
In a joint post with fellow ward cllr Stephen Martin the pair called on Redcar and Cleveland Council to get a grip of the problem, working with other agencies.
They said they wanted to see a “full vermin survey and treatment plan” implemented in council-owned areas across the borough and joint action also involving businesses, landlords and social housing providers.
In response, a council spokeswoman stated: “The council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land. While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible.
“The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions. There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests.”