Britiain:Expert warns rodent infestation is coming

[CharlieH]

 

Mr Sampler, a veteran rat hunter using traditional methods with Lakeland terriers, has issued a stark warning about the UK's worsening rat problem. "After a good summer, a bad winter follows," he claims, noting that the issue has escalated over the years. Nowadays, catching rats up to 22 inches long has become common, with some resembling small dogs.

 

The increase in rat size and population is attributed to the growing amount of waste and discarded food compared to two decades ago. Sampler leads a pest control group active on social media, where his team regularly reports catching 19 to 20-inch rodents, particularly in farms, warehouses, and late-20th-century houses. Crumbling cast iron pipes in these homes often allow easy entry for the rats.

 

Local councillor Paul Salvin expresses concerns over improper food disposal, fearing the planned 2026 rollout of food waste bins could worsen the situation. He urges water companies to do more in preventing rats from entering homes, suggesting that collective action is essential.

 

The UK is reportedly home to around 250 million rats, some of which carry diseases such as Weil's disease, transmissible to humans. A recent case saw a 22-inch rat captured in a home in Redcar and Cleveland, leaving locals shocked after its picture was shared online by politicians.

 

In Dagenham, mounds of rubbish have earned the area the nickname 'Ratland', providing a feast for the growing rat population. Meanwhile, Birmingham's ongoing bin strikes have exacerbated the problem, with vermin thriving amid uncollected trash. University student Sandy Du explains her frequent encounters with "rats the size of baby cats" near her accommodation, highlighting the rodents' persistent presence as they scavenge through overflowing bins.

 

The situation has drawn public attention, with concerned residents and local officials calling for improved waste management and pest control measures across the nation. Reports of giant rats seen in daylight, digging through green spaces, indicate how severe the infestation has become.

 

 

Mr Sampler's team, often working with three to four hunters, has scaled up operations to address larger infestations, sometimes requiring up to 15 people. Their efforts are part of a broader attempt to tackle the rat problem, which some describe as being "beyond a joke."

 

The alarming increase in rat size and population underscores the urgent need for action. Local councils and pest control experts stress the importance of addressing the issue promptly to prevent potential health risks and property damage.

Efforts are being made to educate the public on proper waste disposal and the importance of securing homes against rodent entry. However, as rats continue to thrive in urban and rural settings alike, the challenge remains significant.

 

The current situation illustrates a pressing need for coordination between government, local authorities, and communities to implement effective solutions. By addressing waste management practices and investing in infrastructure improvements, the hope is to reduce the rat population and mitigate health risks associated with the infestation.

 

As the UK braces for a challenging winter, the focus is on enhancing pest control strategies to manage the growing threat. Public awareness and community cooperation are key to tackling the rat problem and ensuring public safety in affected areas.

 

 

Original story in the Daily Mail

[CallumWK]

Jeez, that rat looks more the size of a German shepherd. Glad I don't live in the UK, as I would sh!t myself seeing such an animal

[Bday Prang]

never will control numbers with a dog or a gun   need poison or gas