Health experts have warned homeowners to take measures to stop “huge numbers” of rats flushed out by floods from re-establishing themselves amid a rise in daytime sightings.
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) said people clearing up after the heavy rain should block up holes and clear up waste food.
Rats washed out of sewers are infesting homes amid more daytime sightings.
The pest control industry estimates the number of call-outs to rat-catchers in flood-hit areas is up by a quarter.
“Flood water inevitably flushes the rats to higher ground”
Adam Hawley, National Pest Technicians Association
The Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) Director Julie Barratt said:
“We know huge numbers have been washed out … where sewers have flooded, and there have been a lot of rat casualties. When people are cleaning up, block up holes and don’t leave food lying around.”