UK facing invasion of mutant 'super rats' as population booming amid bin strikes

01 October 2023 , 11:48

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Rats are able to chew through various household materials (Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Mutant ‘super rats’ have been plaguing the streets of Britain as overflowing rubbish builds amidst a series of bin strikes.

Super rats is a phrase used to describe rats that have 'genetically mutated,' and only stick to eating familiar foods. As a result, they have become less inclined to consume the most common types of rodenticide and have become more aware of the methods used to control them which is making getting rid of them, increasingly difficult.

Over the course of the past week, footage plastered across social media has shown that piles of rubbish have resulted in unpleasant encounters with rats in many parts of the country, as a result of bin strikes. Tower Hamlets Council has called for additional help from the private waste company, Bywaters, to escalate the clean up process and to help London residents feel at ease.

There have been more rat sightings across the country, including in Liverpool where a rancid infestation of rats left residents in a block of flats frightened to leave their homes with the rodents running past them.

spoke to resident Eve, who moved into one of the flats affected by the rat infestation but was not aware until after moving: “We saw one or two dead rats, but thought nothing of it.” With the weather transitioning into autumn and the nights getting longer, the rats are going to be seen more regularly.

Asda shoppers 'raging' after giant rat spotted scuttling around supermarket

Diners at a McDonald’s branch in Notting Hill, London, recently had their meal disturbed as a huge rat ran into the seating area leaving customers screaming in fear. The rat began hiding behind chairs and did not appear afraid of anyone, according to eyewitness accounts and eventually, the restaurant was evacuated.

Experts suggested that the rodent species is becoming increasingly resistant to poisons commonly used to deter them from entering homes.

Trusted pest control operators can be found at the , by searching your postcode to contact your nearest provider to help prevent future rodent encounters.

Kelis Cassia Edwards