Rise in reports of rat sightings

The number of reported sightings of rats has gone up this year, the Government has confirmed in response to GBC questions.

It said this could be related to increased awareness and reporting, but also to "more favourable, milder winters".

It urges anyone with a rat problem to contact the Environmental Agency or a professional pest control company, and not to put out dangerous rat poison themselves.

The Environmental Agency says rats have adapted to live around humankind, and take advantage of the food, water and shelter available - adding construction can also displace rodents, leading to increased sightings.

It says there are natural predators on the Rock, including foxes, gulls, birds of prey and snakes. The Environmental Agency is also responsible for pest control in public areas and Government facilities.

It responds to reports from the public on 200 70620, as well as carrying out surveillance and tackling areas which could harbour pests.

It says the first measures it takes are proofing areas to prevent access, and removing food and water sources, with rat poison generally used as a last resort and placed in bait-boxes designed to be accessible only to rodents.

The agency advises owners of private property to contact professional pest companies, and not to put out rat poison themselves, as this could be dangerous to other species, pets and even children.