Terrifying 22-Inch Rat Discovered in UK Home Sparks Outcry and Health Fears
A giant 22-inch rat described as “bigger than my grown cat” has been discovered in a UK home, sparking shock across social media and raising concerns about a potential surge in rat infestations across the country.
The startling find was made in Normanby, a town in Redcar and Cleveland, where pest control workers were called to investigate reports of scratching and movement behind walls. What they uncovered has now gone viral: a monstrous rodent measuring nearly two feet long, not including the tail.
Local councillor Neil Bendelow, who represents the Teesville ward, shared a photo of the enormous rat on Facebook, warning residents to be vigilant. The image, which shows the rat lying next to a standard pest control trap, quickly racked up thousands of views, shares, and horrified comments.
“That’s bigger than my grown cat,” one commenter wrote.
“If I saw that in my kitchen, I’d move house,” said another.
Pest Control Alarm Bells
According to Bendelow, the infestation was found in a terraced house occupied by an elderly resident who had been hearing noises but hadn’t realised the scale of the issue. Pest control officers believe the rat may have entered through broken vents or gaps in the brickwork common entry points for rodents in older homes.
“It’s not just the size that’s shocking,” said Steve O’Connor, a local pest expert. “Rats of this size are a symptom of a wider problem. If you’re seeing one, there are probably more nearby and they may be carrying disease.”
The incident follows a string of reports about rising rat populations in both urban and suburban areas. Warmer weather, milder winters, and overflowing rubbish bins have been blamed for providing ideal breeding grounds for rodents.
Residents Call for Action
Residents are now calling on local authorities to launch a full review of pest control services in the borough, especially as fears grow about rats entering homes through drains and garden sheds.
“I’ve lived here for 20 years and never seen anything like it,” said a neighbour who asked not to be named. “We need proper council support. One trap in a kitchen isn’t going to fix this.”
The council says it is investigating and will be working with environmental health teams to ensure vulnerable residents are protected.
Health Risks and Safety Advice
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has long warned of the diseases spread by rats, including leptospirosis (also known as Weil’s disease), salmonella, and hantavirus. In urban settings, rats are often attracted to discarded food, compost bins, and pet bowls left outside.
Advice for homeowners includes:
- Sealing external holes and vents
- Keeping food sealed and secured
- Storing bin bags in closed bins with tight-fitting lids
- Using steel mesh to block crawl spaces
- Contacting pest control services at the first sign of droppings or gnaw marks
Not an Isolated Case
While the 22-inch rat has captured public imagination due to its shocking size, experts say it may not be the largest seen in the UK. Social media users have posted similar images in recent months, showing rats in London Underground tunnels, alleyways, and even inside parked cars.
Still, the Normanby case has struck a chord—perhaps because it represents the increasingly blurred line between wildlife and domestic life in overcrowded British towns.
“We used to think rats stayed outside,” one Facebook user noted. “Not anymore.”
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