Householders are being warned to be careful about how they dispose rubbish over Christmas after a company claimed there is a 'huge' rat problem.
City centre based pest control firm Pest.co.uk claims that there is a 'perfect storm' contributing to an increase in rats.
The firm says 'carelessly discarded' Christmas waste, the cold weather and a 'skyrocketing' population of rats is contributing to the issue.
People are being urged to make sure all rubbish, especially food waste, is kept inside a secure bin.
Cardboard and wrapping paper should also be kept in bins as they could be used as 'bedding materials' by rodents, the firm said.
Jenny Rathbone from Pest.co.uk said: "The problems are huge – the rat population in Manchester going into winter was 25% higher than last year, and we are entering a cold period – rats are moving around trying to find food and shelter – many are attacking domestic bins, and anyone being careless about their Christmas rubbish will pay the price.
"More and more people in Manchester are seeing rats in the open – this is a sign that numbers are very high.
"We are heading for a cold snap, and rats are busy raiding food sources and bedding down – calls for infestations are already increasing."
