UK rat outbreak warning: Pest control blames ‘perfect storm’ for record numbers in homes | United Kingdom | News

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UK: Experts warn of rising rat population in cities

According to reports, pest control companies are dealing with a record number of rat infestations due to frequently changing weather. Rising temperatures have led to an increase in reproduction while flood burrows have driven the rodents into homes across the country.

Milder weather allows more rodents to live and the long hot summer creates ideal conditions for young mice and rats to leave the nest and reproduce quickly.

In the fall and winter, rain and lower temperatures cause rats and mice to migrate inland where there is more food and shelter.

With the rains, mice are usually displaced from their burrows and go inside.

Signs of a rodent problem include an unusual ammonia-like odor, small, dark droppings, greasy marks on walls or baseboards, and gnawing marks.

Rainy and hot weather creates the perfect storm for rats (Image: GETTY)

Rainy and hot weather creates the perfect storm for rats (Photo: NC)

Hearing scratching noises, especially at night, is also a sign of rats and mice, and their nocturnal nature means they can remain hidden for a long time before you begin to suspect they have invaded your home.

During recent weeks, there has been an increase in the number of mice spotted on the streets due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Last week, shoppers were horrified and disgusted after a rat epidemic streaked through a road near the local Iceland of Wolverhampton.

Gemma Ormi, 43, who was shopping with her son, photographed the mice but said she doesn’t show how many mice there are.

Read more: Rats the size of cats tormented residents for seven years

The weather creates the perfect storm for rats to infect (Image: GETTY)

She said, “I’ve seen mice before in Bilston, but not many!

“The video clip does not show all of them.”

Wolverhampton City Council said the rats were lured by throwing food on the ground to feed the birds.

During the coronavirus pandemic, the number of rats has soared in suburban areas due to the closure of bars and restaurants.

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Five facts about mice (Image: Express)

At the end of July, London was warned about preparing for a rat invasion after a woman was attacked by more than 100 rodents in a park.

The horrific incident reportedly occurred on July 19, when Susan Treftab was walking through Blondin Park in Ealing.

Ms Trivtap claimed that the animals rushed towards her before they did – although fortunately she escaped unharmed.

Last month, it was reported that ‘cat-sized’ rats were tormenting streets in North Belfast because of the overgrown alley.

Hot and rainy weather creates the perfect storm for rats (Image: GETTY)

Back in February, the Belfast Telegraph reported that the city’s rat population had jumped by 25 per cent in just 12 months.

When asked about the unusual story, Paul Blackhurt, president of the Technical Academy at Rentokil Pest Control, said the health risks associated with mice should not be underestimated.

He told Express.co.uk: “It is worth noting that the rat is a wild animal and if it is threatened by being caught or trampled on, it may react by biting in a way to defend itself.

Rodents play a role in transmitting many pathogens to humans.

Rat infestation afflicts the UK (Image: GETTY)

“One of the biggest threats is that mice carry leptospirosis, which can cause Weil’s disease in humans if they are bitten or come into contact with rodent urine.”

The bacterial illness can cause 2 to 4 mild to severe flu-like symptoms, including headache, chills, vomiting, diarrhea, and rash.

The risk of developing Weil’s disease is very low, Blackhurt said, although it gets worse in humid environments.

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