SHOCKED residents have been left disgusted after an enormous 22-inch rat was discovered inside a UK home.
The rodent was found in a property in Redcar and Cleveland
Local politicians shared a photo on social media, prompting hundreds to react in disgust.
Conservative councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin have publicly criticised the Labour-run council.
They demand a borough-wide vermin study to assess the scale of the problem.
The supersized rat was located in the Normanby area by a pest controller called to inspect the property, according to MailOnline.
How it entered the house is unclear, but investigators believe it had been nesting inside.
“It’s almost the size of a small cat. And it’s not a one-off. The longer this is ignored, the worse it will get. We need action – not just advice.”
Mr Taylor also raised concerns about overflowing bins in the Eston and Whale Hill areas.
He said shops and takeaways dump items there, creating “easy food” for rodents.
Dozens of locals replied to the councillor’s post, many expressing alarm.
One resident wrote: “We can not even use our back door to put rubbish out it’s that bad with rats- two just left dead in the street to rot – when did we become such a scruffy rundown place?”
Others accused the council of ignoring reports about rubbish and food left out on the street.
One person claimed they saw a rat the size of their Jack Russell drinking from a puddle.
MailOnline notes rats can grow large when they have a plentiful food supply.
Eston ward councillors say Redcar and Cleveland Council no longer handle domestic rat infestations.
That responsibility now falls to residents, they say.
The councillors also argue that overgrown public land and overflowing bins have worsened the problem.
They are calling for a full vermin study and proper funding to tackle the issue.
It is estimated there could be roughly 250 million rats in the UK.
Rats pose serious health risks and breed quickly, so they need prompt attention.
Diseases associated with rats include leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever.
These illnesses can spread via contact with rat urine, droppings, bites, or contaminated food and water.
“The council has a dedicated pest control officer who manages pest issues on council-owned land.
While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible.
The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions.
There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests.”
The Sun has contacted Redcar and Cleveland Council for further comment.
Help! I have mice or rats in my garden…
Rebecca Miller, Fabulous’ Associate Editor and gardening enthusiast, explains why mice are common and rats are more concerning.
“Our gardens are homes to various animals, from birds to hedgehogs to squirrels.
But there’s one animal no one wants to find – mice or rats.
Mice can be destructive, and rats are just downright scary, and send everyone into a panic.
Mice are common across the UK, and one or two in the garden is not cause for alarm.
Wood mice and field mice will easily get in your home, since they are small enough to squeeze in almost anywhere.
They are more likely to shelter in garages, sheds, and outhouses because these provide easier access to the outside world.
You’re also more likely to see mice inside during the autumn and winter months.
As for rats, they are generally considered vermin and can spread potentially serious diseases.
Rats tend to set up home beneath decking, in sheds or greenhouses, and in compost heaps.
They are mostly nocturnal, so you may not see them during the day, but signs include runs, droppings, gnawed wood, or teeth marks in crops.”