April 12, 2016 10.27 am This story is over 95 months old

Giant rat found in Lincolnshire sparks vermin fears

A Lincolnshire rat-catcher who found a disturbingly large rat in the Grimsby area has said the pests are becoming an issue around the county. The rat, which was over two feet long and one of the biggest on record, was found in Grimsby last week. Spencer Harris, a technician for SWAT Pest Control, Boston, said the…

A Lincolnshire rat-catcher who found a disturbingly large rat in the Grimsby area has said the pests are becoming an issue around the county.

The rat, which was over two feet long and one of the biggest on record, was found in Grimsby last week.

Spencer Harris, a technician for SWAT Pest Control, Boston, said the issue needs to be dealt with professionally.

Spencer Harris found the disturbingly large rat last week

Spencer Harris found the disturbingly large rat last week

He told The Lincolnite: “Some parts of the country have a real issue, down south especially.

“There are new laws that came in in March for people to have a certificate to buy rat poison, which will change things slightly.

“Rats need to be dealt with professionally.”

Rats have three to 12 litters a year and the issue of large rats is becoming more apparent.

Spencer warned that reports are increasing of members of the public using rat poison to get rid of the vermin.

He added: “Poisons need to be set properly and it needs to be professionally done.

“Too little rat poison and this just makes the rats ill. Too much and the rats turn to ‘survival mode’ and begin to store the poison.

“People think the rat has eaten it all but they have actually stored it away.”

The rat was over two feet long. Photo: SWAT Pest Control

Pregnant rats eating the poison are creating an immunity for their offspring, he said, however poisoning the rat is the ‘easy option’.

“It is quite a skill to trap a rat, it is not that easily done and poison is the easy option.

“Other methods are going to come in, a couple of poisons that got banned a couple years ago may be released again.

“Gassing cannot be used near buildings or near water – most rat problems are in large buildings or along riverbanks so it isn’t a good solution.”

If you are experiencing any issues with rats or other vermin it is advised to contact your local pest control.