Warning as 'ultra-rats the size of rabbits' could invade UK homes within weeks
09.09.2022 - 20:07
/ dailyrecord.co.uk
Disease-ridden rats could soon be spotted in homes and gardens all over the UK, experts have warned.
After a summer spent feasting and breeding, they will soon be seeking shelter from the cold autumn and winter temperatures. Experts say that we might even see giant ultra-rats - that can grow to the size of rabbits - invading homes.
People in the UK have been urged to protect their homes from the rodents, as Gardening Express say that the heatwave and abundance of food over the summer have provided the right conditions for rats to breed quickly.
Hull Live reports that rats are getting even bigger as a result of their leftover energy going into body mass and growth, which means they are breeding more as well.
On average, rats can give birth to 72 babies in a year - and these babies are ready to breed themselves within a week.
As the months get colder, rats' usual food sources become harder to find, meaning they will seek out homes and gardens for food and shelter.
Chris Bonnett, the founder of Gardening Express said: "It is time to protect your garden, and home, now. When rats get hungry, they will eat virtually anything – even dog poo, so you really don’t want these randy infested ultra-rats around.
"Some of the imperative measures to take to protect yourself and your home are laying preventive scents around your home and clearing any rubbish, debris and garden waste that’s accumulated during summer."
Speaking to the Express, here are some of Chris's top tips for protecting your home against the giant rodents.
Check your garden for food sources
If you’ve got any fruit trees, bushes or veggies growing, make sure you harvest as soon as ready, and be sure to remove any windfall from the ground beneath an apple tree for