Millions of ‘hungry and cold’ rats could start invading homes across the UK in search for somewhere warmer, pest control experts warn.
Britain is said to be home to some 120 million brown rats – nearly double the human population – that have been blamed for causing thousands of pounds worth of damage.
They've been causing cause chaos in British properties, chewing through electrical wires and wooden beams, experts warn.
The animals, which can have up to six litters a year, are expected to set up camp in attics, lofts and stair cupboards, reports the Mirror .
Paul Bates, of Cleankill Pest Control, told The Sun : "Recent heavy rain has forced many rats above ground.
"There is lots of food around for rats at the moment, with ripe fruit and crops from harvesting, so the rat population is peaking at the moment.
"As it gets colder, however, as it is now, rats will move closer to food supplies indoors and for somewhere warm to nest - that means people's homes."
He urged to plug any gaps in their homes and clear up any food debris to avoid vermin infestations.
The imminent rat invasion comes after residents in Runcorn, Cheshire, stopped allowing their children to play outside after rats overran a home.
A cleaning team described the property as one of the worst cases they had ever seen.
During the summer heatwave, a neighbouring couple were unable to leave any windows or doors open, for fear of rats and flies, and had to invest in air conditioning supplies.
Pest control firms typically experience a 30 to 40 per cent increase in infestation call-outs at this time of the year.
