Huge rats 'as big as small rabbits' could start invading gardens and even homes within weeks, horticulturists have warned.
Brits have been told to take precautions as the temperatures slowly start to drop, as the colossal rodents begin creeping in from the cold.
It follows a summer of feasting and breeding amidst record temperatures and an abundance of food which could see them grow much bigger than their usual size, Daily Star reports.
As it gets colder, food sources decline forcing them to take refuge in people's homes and gardens, and experts have shared tips on how to avoid an infestation.
According to AAA Wildlife Control, a female rats litter is usually between eight - 18 pups, and have named the not-so little critters the "most destructive pests in the world".
Rob Connolly a manager for pest controllers Prokill, said the creatures can grow much bigger than the average 25cm when they have "easy access to food".
“Rats, much like the rest of us, are focused on finding food and shelter," he said.
"Once they find a good supply of food and the environment is favourable, they’ll end up staying there and can grow to decent size. One way to control the spread of these creatures is to go back to basics and not give them the ideal conditions in which to thrive.
"Simple things like ensuring that food waste is properly sealed and disposed of can make a big difference in cutting their food supply, and sealing any obvious holes in the exterior of your property with caulk and wire wool, or covering with metal kick-plates, so rodents can’t gnaw their way inside. Rats are very resourceful and can also use damaged pipework, plumbing, or cracks to enter properties."
Chris Bonnett, the founder of Gardening Express said: "It is time to protect your garden, and home, now. When rats get hungry, they will eat virtually anything – even dog poo, so you really don’t want these randy infested ultra-rats around.
"Some of the imperative measures to take to protect yourself and your home are laying preventive scents around your home and clearing any rubbish, debris and garden waste that’s accumulated during summer."
Here are Chris' top tips to rat-proof your home this winter.
Check your garden for food sources
If you’ve got any fruit trees, bushes or veggies growing, make sure they are picked and brought inside straight away, and be sure to remove any fallen produce from the ground beneath. Anything you’ll be storing will need to go in a safe area that’s not open to these critters to invade.
Clear any rubbish from your garden
Clear any rubbish, debris and garden waste that may be accumulated ready for disposal – do not delay in getting rid of this now, as rats are already on the move with families sending scouting parties out to seek their next rung on the property ladder.
Be wary of your bird tables
Bird tables are notorious for attracting vermin – if you do have one and it ends up attracting them, you may have to remove it entirely so there is no source of food. Swap it for a hanging feeder and make sure any spilled seeds or nuts are swept up to avoid tempting hungry rodents.
Also ensure your bird table is in an open area away from shrubs, fence and walls – rats are expert climbers and will jump from a nearby tree onto it if they can.
Close any gaps you can
If your shed or garage door isn't closing properly, now is the time to get this fixed.
Consider fitting a metal kick strip to doors to prevent gnawing in, and ensure any holes are filled in and covered over. Small young rats can squeeze through quite small holes.
Don't leave out pet food
This includes sacks of pet food kept in sheds and garages, and indeed anything edible. Hungry rats have a great sense of smell and have been known to gnaw through sacks and even plastic containers – so metal is best.
Check your drains
Check any drain grates are intact and all drains are covered, replace them urgently if needed. Also look around the perimeter of your house, and check any air-bricks or potential weak points for entry – take action immediately and make any repairs or replace any grates that need it right away.
Cut off water access
Rats will also need a source of water, so if you’ve got a dripping garden tap, water-butt or a blocked drain, again – get it sorted now.
Keep compost heaps covered
Turn it, don’t put food scraps on, and keep it wet – else the rats could view your cosy compost heap as a new 5-star hotel with room service. It’s also worth thinking about enclosing it in chicken wire to make it less penetrable.
Keep an eye on your greenhouse
If you’ve got a cold-frame or greenhouse, make sure you haven’t got stacks of pots and trays languishing under the benches – these would provide perfect shelter and a fun little maze for rats to hang out in.
