Pest controller warns 1.5ft MONSTER RATS are running riot due to two-week bin collections as huge rodents feast on trash
A PEST controller has warned 1.5ft monster rats are running riot due to fortnightly bin collections.
Terry Walker, 56, said higher calorie food waste left hanging around for longer led to a boom in the bigger-than-average rats.
Most councils collect waste fortnightly to reduce costs and hit government recycling targets.
Mr Walker, who caught a 1.75ft rat in November 2018, said: "Years ago, I would have been excited to catch a 19 inch rat but now I catch them regularly.
"I'm sure my record is going to be broken soon - I'm seeing some huge rats. It's only a matter of time.
"They have easy access to high calorie food so they're getting bigger. It's about the type of waste and how long it's left before being collected.
"Bins used to be collected every week - now it's once a fortnight. When it comes to them being collected, the rats have already had their fill."
Mr Walker, owner of TP Pest Control Services in Dorset, said most of his work consists of rats and that is growing.
He said they cover a lot in Bournemouth, often in back alleys, bin areas and takeaway premises.
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He added: "The owners of these businesses can be perfectly ethical and professional but if there’s a mess left by the public that can be it.
"Business owners can be a scapegoat if a rat runs by but often there are surrounding influences that have caused it.
"Most pest controllers I know have seen an increase in business during the pandemic and that is partly down to the management of waste but also the number of people modifying their homes.
"There's a massive rise in people building extensions. When they do, rats can find their way in through old redundant pipes."
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council's Bobbie Dove said there are adequate provisions to deal with pest control issues.
He urged people to manage waste properly to reduce the opportunity for pests to feed or bed in leftovers.