Surge in giant rats invading homes during lockdown with bed bugs also on the rise – Mirror Online

Brits have noticed a surge in giant rats invading their homes during lockdown - with bed bugs also on the rise.

Household pests are said to have increased since the coronavirus crisis caused cafes and restaurants across Britain to close.

The decrease in food waste by cafes means more rodents have been turning to homes on the search for food instead - where people are spending more time cooking and gardening.

The British Pest Control Association report that more than half of all UK rat catchers have seen bookings to remove rodents soar in lockdown.

Royston Couch, from JG Pest Control, told The Sun : "Rats are very simple. They need food, they need water, and they need somewhere to live.

"So if you have a pond, bird seed in your garden and full rubbish bins outside, thats the perfect rat condition."

He added: "Pests are scary for a lot of people but housekeeping plays a big part in managing pest control at home and helping prevent or catch the problem early on."

Mr Couch provided some tips on how to keep rats away.

He said if you have bird seed in your garden, it should be removed at night as birds only feed during the day.

Ensuring any holes or gaps in the structure of your house or flat are closed off will also help keep rodents away.

Mr Couch said if you can fit a biro pen through a hole, a mouse can also get through.

Cleaning up and tidying away food straight after preparing meals is also important, as well as not letting bins overflow outside.

Mr Couch also said that bed bugs are on the rise - and how clean or dirty your home is doesn't affect the pests getting in unfortunately.

Bed bugs can be detected as they leave little spots of faeces but can also bite people's skin and leave red marks.

The expert advised washing bedding on a hot setting and checking your belongings for the insects before you enter the house.

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Surge in giant rats invading homes during lockdown with bed bugs also on the rise - Mirror Online