Rabbit-sized rats are moving into homes, experts warn

Pest experts warn of an invasion of giant rats as the rodents begin to seek shelter indoors as winter approaches.

Record summer heat helped turn rat breeding conditions into a record year for the pest.

There have been reports of some rats the size of small rabbits, as gardening experts warn that the heat waves and abundance of food have created ideal breeding conditions.

AAA Wildlife Control said a female rat litter typically contains between 8 and 18 pups, but also warned they could be the “world’s most destructive pests.”

However, when the temperature drops, the rats’ food sources also drive them indoors.

Chris Bonnett, founder of Gardening Express, told Britain’s Daily Star: “Now is the time to protect your garden and home. When rats get hungry, they’ll eat just about anything – even dog poop, so you really don’t want those horny, infested Ultra-Rats around.

“Some of the imperative measures you need to take to protect yourself and your home are laying preventive scents around your home and removing trash, debris and yard waste that has accumulated over the summer.”

He suggested that a number of steps needed to be taken to reduce the likelihood of rat invasion, including:

Don’t Leave Trash in Your Garden: If you have litter ready for disposal, don’t hesitate as it will definitely attract rodents.

Keep an eye on your bird feeder: You may need to clean your bird feeder regularly, otherwise not only birds will come into your garden as they provide an ideal food source for vermin. They are experienced climbers and jumpers so getting up is not a problem.

Seal your doors: Make sure there are no gaps in your garage or shed doors, as rats can squeeze into tiny holes for shelter and warmth.

Keep your pet’s food locked: Don’t leave your pet’s food in a shed and make sure it’s properly sealed in a container or bucket with a lid, as rats can chew through even plastic containers in search of a meal.

Check your drains: Make sure your drains are properly covered and also check the outside of your home to make sure there aren’t any cracks or crevices that allow them to enter the home.

Shut off all water sources: If you have leaking outside faucets or a clogged drain, you need to get them repaired as soon as possible.

Take care of your compost pile: don’t put leftover food on it and maybe consider laying chicken wire around it so it doesn’t become the perfect home for a family of rats.