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Supersized Rats Invade UK Homes as Waste Crisis Escalates
26 Aug
Summary
- Veteran pest controller sees 22-inch rats, largest ever
- Rat infestations surge from 2-3 per month to 8-10 per week
- Rats thrive on discarded takeaways and overflowing bins

According to veteran pest controller David Parnell, the UK is facing a growing crisis of supersized rats invading homes across the country. In the past month, Parnell has seen a 22-inch rat, the largest he's encountered in over 20 years on the job.
This is no isolated incident, however. Parnell reports that rat infestations have surged from a couple of callouts per month to 8-10 per week. The rodents are thriving on the abundance of discarded takeaway food and overflowing rubbish bins, with warmer temperatures accelerating their breeding cycles.
The problem is exacerbated by the UK's neglected sewer infrastructure, with rats climbing up drainpipes and emerging in people's toilets. Parnell believes the country has created a "perfect storm" for these adaptable, intelligent pests, fueled by poor waste management, a booming takeaway culture, and a general lack of hygiene awareness.
Unless urgent action is taken to address the root causes, Parnell warns that the situation will only get worse, with even larger rats taking over neighborhoods across Britain.