Professional pest controllers have said that huge rats are terrorising homeowners by sneaking up toilet pipes to get inside homes.
Ian Helands, from Pest Be Gone, is warning people to ‘rat proof’ their homes so they can’t gain entry.
He said: “I have had more call-outs than ever from homeowners who have heard a noise, looked down into their toilet only to find a giant rat.
“No-one is safe. Rats are excellent swimmers with bendy bones and can squeeze into the smallest of spaces. They can hold their breath for three minutes and tread water for three days, and they are coming up waste pipes.
“They’re cunning and getting bolder and bolder. Basically, if they want to get into your home, they will.”
Mr Helands is encouraging customer to have rat gates installed in water pipes.
“These are used in very rural areas, such as near canals, but now we are recommending them even in built-up housing areas.”