Rat Infestation Hits Middlesbrough as Residents Sound Alarm

Residents in the northern town of Middlesbrough are facing a severe rat infestation, with reports of rodents as large as domestic cats invading homes. Local pest control expert Jamie Lawrence from Exopest Ltd. attributes the surge in rat activity to reduced bin collections and cuts to pest control services implemented by local authorities in 2018.

The situation has escalated alarmingly, with residents claiming they have found rats not only in their homes but even emerging from toilet bowls. Decomposing rat carcasses have been found scattered across various housing estates, highlighting the severity of the problem. Lawrence noted that he has observed rats brazenly scurrying around during daylight hours, a concerning sign of their proliferation.

In a striking incident last week, a rat measuring a staggering 22 inches (55 cm) was discovered in Normanby, a suburb of Redcar and Cleveland. Lawrence also reported catching a rat measuring 21 inches, surpassing the average domestic cat length of 18 inches. These alarming statistics underscore the growing concern among residents about the rodent population.

In August 2024, Middlesbrough Council reduced bin collections from a fortnightly to a weekly schedule, a change that has exacerbated the situation. Additionally, the council has ceased offering private pest control services, further limiting residents’ options for combating the infestation. An insider revealed that the local authority has expanded its pest control team from one to four members, although they do not provide domestic pest control services.

Local councillor Paul McInnes from Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council shared his own encounter with the problem, stating that he found a rat while installing a new kitchen in his shop. He remarked on the area’s suitability for rodent habitation, citing the numerous back alleys and small streams that create ideal conditions for rats to thrive.

Business owner Jan Pybus, aged 59, expressed her frustration at the escalating issue, reporting that rats have been rummaging through her bins and gnawing through skirting boards to access her shop. She believes that insufficient grass cutting and maintenance contribute to the problem.

Local resident Michelle Harper, 36, voiced her disgust, recounting sightings of large rodents wandering through back gardens and even dying near her front door. “They are massive—like cats,” she said, emphasizing the alarming nature of the infestation.

In response to the growing concerns, a spokesperson for Middlesbrough Council stated that residents and businesses have a legal obligation to secure and properly dispose of their waste. They highlighted that improper disposal, such as leaving food waste and bulky items in alleyways, significantly contributes to rodent issues. The council urged the public to take responsibility for their surroundings and promised to investigate reported issues.

Meanwhile, Redcar and Cleveland Council noted that they have a dedicated pest control officer managing pest issues on council-owned land. Although wider pest control services have been discontinued, the council remains committed to providing residents with advice and support where possible. They are currently collaborating with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water, and other partners to address the complexities of the infestation and explore potential solutions.

As the situation continues to develop, residents of Middlesbrough and surrounding areas remain on high alert, with many calling for more proactive measures from local authorities to tackle the rat invasion effectively.