Gargantuan rat of 20 inches discovered in a British backyard, leaving family petrified.
In recent times, the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) has been dealing with an increasing number of rodent problems, particularly rats, as housing developments and garden feeding habits push these scurrying creatures closer to people's homes.
This trend has been evident in the statistics, with a 3% increase in council control services calls last year compared to the year before, and a staggering 9% increase compared to 2022. This surge in rat sightings has been a topic of discussion among pest control experts.
One such expert, Matthew O'Donnell, who runs Kent Country pest Control, believes that the increase in rat sightings may be due to their habitats being built upon. He notes that while mice are more likely to shelter in garages, sheds, and outhouses, rats tend to set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps.
The discovery of these large rats has been making headlines. In Minster on the Isle of Sheppey, a 20-inch rat was uncovered by local resident Gary Thomas. This discovery came after a similar 22-inch supersized rodent was found in Yorkshire last month. Another notable discovery was made by Ethan Squire, a Bristol University music student, who found a giant rat while his father was gardening.
Despite the size of these rats, experts have clarified that they aren't growing larger. The average UK brown rat only grows between 15 and 27 centimetres or between six and 10.5 inches. Matthew O'Donnell and Kent-based pest control expert Phil Golding, who has been a self-employed exterminator for more than two decades, share this view.
Councils are inundated with requests to get rid of these monster rats. However, the BPCA technical manager, Niall Gallagher, wants to see hard evidence of an explosion in rat size before making any claims about their growth. He advises that signs of rat presence include tunnels or 'runs', droppings, gnawed wood, or teeth marks in crops.
Rats are mostly nocturnal, but there are signs to look for. Mice, although less intimidating, can also be destructive and are considered vermin. As rodent seasons are becoming blended, with pest control professionals dealing with rats all year round, it is crucial to remain vigilant and report any sightings to local authorities.
While the presence of rats in gardens is not uncommon, it is a cause for concern due to their potential to spread diseases. It is essential to take necessary precautions to keep homes and gardens rodent-free to ensure the health and safety of families and pets.
