SHOCKED residents have been left disgusted after discovering an enormous 22-inch rat in a UK home.
The rodent was found in a home in Redcar and Cleveland and left hundreds repulsed after a picture was shared on social media by local politicians.
With the possibility of the rat’s size breaking records, Conservative Party councillors, David Taylor and Stephen Martin, have criticised the Labour-run council, calling for a full vermin study to be carried out across the borough.
The supersized rat was discovered in a property in the Normanby area by a pest controller who had been called to investigate, reports the MailOnline.
While it is unknown how it accessed the property, it is believed that it was nesting somewhere in the home.
David Taylor took to social media to express his disgust.
He wrote: “It’s almost the size of a small cat. And it’s not a one-off.
“The longer this is ignored, the worse it will get. We need action – not just advice.”
In the post, Mr Taylor also addressed the issue of overflowing bins in the Eston and Whale Hill area.
He explained that shops and takeaways dump items in them, providing “easy food” for rodents.
In response to this post, dozens of locals have chimed in to express their concern.
One wrote: “We can not even use our back door to put rubbish out it’s that bad with rats – two just left dead in the street to rot – when did we become such a scruffy rundown place?”
Others called out the council, claiming that they report the issue of rubbish and food being left out on the street, but “nothing gets done.”
Another even claimed she saw a rat the size of her Jack Russel drinking from a puddle.
According to the MailOnline, rats are known to grow to a large size when there is an ongoing abundant supply of food.
The Eston ward councillors pointed out that Redcar and Cleveland Council no longer handle domestic rat infestations, placing the responsibility on the residents to solve the problem.
But, the councillors argue that due to public land being left overgrown and overflowing with bins, the problem has been made worse.
They are therefore calling for a full vermin study and proper funding to tackle the mounting issue.
It is estimated that there could be roughly 250 million rats in the UK.
They present a major problem as they can pose as a serious health hazard, and also breed rapidly, so need to be dealt with as soon as they are detected.
Among the diseases carried by rats are leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever.
They can be spread through contact with rat urine, droppings, bites, or through contaminated food and water.
A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council said: “The council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land.
“While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible.
“The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions.
“There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests.”
The Sun has reached out to Redcar and Cleveland Council for further comment.
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden…
WHETHER you can hear them they’re scurrying around your house, or underneath your decking, there’s one reason you have mice…
Fabulous’ Associate Editor, Rebecca Miller, is a gardening enthusiast. She explains why it’s not uncommon to have mice, but you should be concerned if you have rats.
“Our gardens are homes to various animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels. But there’s one animal no one wants to find – mice or rats.
“Mice can be destructive, and rats are just downright scary, and send everyone into a panic.
“But mice are common all across the UK – and one or two in the garden is not cause for alarm.
“Wood mice and field mice will easily get in your home since they are small enough to squeeze in almost anywhere. However, they are more likely to shelter in garages, sheds, and outhouses because they provide easier access to the outside world.
“You’re also more likely to see mice inside during the autumn and winter months.
“As for rats, they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases. They tend to set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and compost heaps.
“Rats are mostly nocturnal so you may not see them when you’re in your garden, but there are some signs to look out for: tunnels or ‘runs’, droppings, gnawed wood, or teeth marks in crops.”
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