Numbers of ‘super rats’ are set to soar

Experts fear numbers of the rodents, which have grown resistant to conventional poison, could soar in the next few months boosted by a combination of colder temperatures and increasingly wet weather.

The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) says the spread of the rats has been accelerated by failed home treatments, which have helped them grow bigger and stronger as well as build up their immunity.

The leading trade body has revealed many ‘over-the-counter’ remedies are now ineffective and insists control of the rodents has become a matter for professionals.

The BPCA has issued the advice ahead of National Pest Prevention Week – November 9 to 14 – to raise increase public awareness of all pests.

Simon Forrester, chief executive of the BPCA, said: “Reports of poison-resistant rats have been increasing in recent years and it seems likely that there will be a further surge during the coming months.

“The first evidence of rats in a home is often noises under the floor, in the walls or loft as that’s where most will head to once they’re inside.

“They will also try to find sources of food, which means they can soon move to other areas of the house occupied by humans.

Visit www.bpca.org.uk/pages/find_a_pest_controller for pest control information.