'Growing' Giant Rat Problem Sounds Alarm As Rodent As Big As A Cat Captured In England

A rat the size of a small cat has been found in a home in North Yorkshire, raising alarms about the increasing presence of large rodents in the UK. The discovery was made by a pest control professional, revealing a rat over 22 inches long from nose to tail.

The enormous rat was seen inside a property in Normanby, part of the Redcar and Cleveland area. Local councillors described it as almost the size of a small domestic cat, and it was captured in a large transparent bag by pest controllers. The rat's size is notable because it surpasses the previous record for the largest rat caught in Britain, which measured 21 inches in Bournemouth in 2018.

This sighting is not isolated. Local officials in North Yorkshire say the problem has become more common over recent years. They also point out that the area experienced a similar issue around two years ago, but now, reports indicate that rat numbers have grown even further. Photographs of rat burrows and holes in the community suggest that the infestation is widespread and increasing.

Why Are Such Large Rats Becoming a Growing Concern?

The UK's brown rat is highly adaptable and thrives in urban environments. They often dig burrows, scavenge in waste, and breed rapidly. Female rats can start reproducing as early as three months old, producing up to five litters annually, each with around 12 young. This reproductive capacity allows populations to expand swiftly when conditions are favourable.
The problem is exacerbated by the cessation of local pest control services in some areas.

For instance, Conservative councillors have criticised the Labour-run council in Redcar and Cleveland for ending contract work on domestic rat infestations, leaving residents to cover costs themselves. Such gaps in services can lead to unchecked growth of rodent populations, increasing the risk of large rats establishing themselves in homes.

In cities like Birmingham and Glasgow, waste management issues have also contributed to rat surges. Birmingham's ongoing bin strike resulted in significant piles of uncollected rubbish, providing ample food for rats. Similarly, in Glasgow, reports of giant rats the size of small dogs turned streets into no-go zones for refuse workers, demonstrating how urban waste issues directly impact rodent problems.

Dangers of Having Rats in Your Home

Having rats inside a property is more than just an inconvenience; it can be a serious health hazard. Rats are known carriers of numerous diseases that can be transmitted directly or indirectly to humans. These include bacteria such as Salmonella and leptospira, which can cause severe illnesses if ingested or contracted through contact.

Rodent droppings and gnaw marks are common signs of infestation. Droppings, often pointed at one end, can be found in cupboards, drawers, or hidden corners. Gnaw marks on wires, food packaging, or furniture indicate rodent activity and can lead to further damage or even fires if electrical wiring is compromised.

Health Risks Associated with Rats

Rats carry a range of diseases, some of which can be serious. Direct transmission occurs through handling rodents, contact with their droppings, urine, or saliva, or bites. Diseases such as Weil's disease, which can cause jaundice and kidney failure, are linked to rat urine.

Others, like leptospirosis, can be contracted through contact with contaminated water or soil.
Indirect transmission involves parasites such as fleas, mites, or ticks that have fed on infected rodents. These can spread illnesses like bubonic plague, typhus, and Lyme disease. The presence of these parasites further intensifies the health risks in areas with large rat populations.