Weeks of persistent rainfall have forced rats to seek refuge indoors, as captured in a recent video. Pest control specialist Kieran Sampler revealed that the inclement weather has led to an increase in rat infestations, with him attending to 10 such cases weekly.
One notable incident occurred in Wakefield, West Yorkshire, where Kieran responded to a call regarding a rat hiding behind a wall-mounted heater. Video footage shows Kieran’s dog apprehending the rodent after a brief chase.
Describing the emergency call-out, Kieran mentioned, “Upon receiving reports of a rat roaming a client’s living room, I swiftly located it concealed behind a radiator, having scurried from beneath the sofa. With some patience, I managed to coax it out.”
He further explained, “The rat dashed and encountered one of our working Lakeland terriers, which swiftly dealt with the situation.”
Despite the cleanliness and upkeep of the properties, Kieran emphasized that the surge in rat activity is primarily due to the incessant rain, rather than any structural issues in the homes. Many affected residences are situated in well-maintained areas.
Recent data from the Met Office revealed that parts of the UK experienced the wettest winter on record, with the country as a whole receiving 13% more rainfall than the historical average.