THIS simple mistake caused a giant rat infestation—what councils aren’t telling residents
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A monstrous rodent nearly the size of a small cat has stunned residents in one UK community.
Locals described feeling disgusted and unsafe after seeing a shocking photo of the 55cm rat online.
Calls are now growing for a full-scale vermin investigation as fears mount over a wider infestation.
The rat, measuring 22 inches (55cm), was discovered inside a property in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland.
It was found by a pest controller called in to inspect the home, and is believed to have been nesting inside the property.
The image of the huge rodent, shared on social media by local Conservative councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin, sparked widespread alarm among residents.
‘It’s almost the size of a small cat. And it’s not a one-off,’ Mr Taylor wrote.
‘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, claiming that waste from shops and takeaways was attracting rodents by providing them with ‘easy food’.
Dozens of locals echoed the concerns online.
One person commented: ‘We cannot 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?’
Another claimed she saw a rat the size of her Jack Russell drinking from a puddle.
Residents also criticised Redcar and Cleveland Council, alleging that reports about food waste and rubbish being left in the street were being ignored.
Rats are known to grow to abnormal sizes when there is a continuous food supply, according to reports.
It is estimated that there are approximately 250 million rats in the UK.
They are considered a major public health concern due to the diseases they carry, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever.
These can be spread via contaminated food, water, urine, droppings, or even direct bites.
The Eston ward councillors pointed out that the council no longer handles domestic rat infestations, leaving residents responsible for the issue.
They argued that the problem is worsened by overgrown public land and overflowing bins, and are calling for a district-wide vermin study and proper funding.
A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council confirmed that they had a dedicated pest control officer for council-owned land, but no longer offered wider pest control services.
‘While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible,’ the statement read.
‘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.’
If the sight of a 55cm rat made your skin crawl, you’re not alone—rodent infestations are becoming alarmingly common in places we once trusted.
In another shocking case, diners were left horrified after footage revealed what had been lurking behind the scenes of a popular eatery.
It’s a powerful reminder that pests aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health hazard hiding in plain sight.
Read more: Disgusting footage reveals infestation at popular home diner—see footage before your next visit!
If left unchecked, how big will the next one be?
Locals described feeling disgusted and unsafe after seeing a shocking photo of the 55cm rat online.
Calls are now growing for a full-scale vermin investigation as fears mount over a wider infestation.
The rat, measuring 22 inches (55cm), was discovered inside a property in the Normanby area of Redcar and Cleveland.
It was found by a pest controller called in to inspect the home, and is believed to have been nesting inside the property.
The image of the huge rodent, shared on social media by local Conservative councillors David Taylor and Stephen Martin, sparked widespread alarm among residents.
Giant rat discovered inside UK home. Image source: Facebook
‘It’s almost the size of a small cat. And it’s not a one-off,’ Mr Taylor wrote.
‘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, claiming that waste from shops and takeaways was attracting rodents by providing them with ‘easy food’.
Dozens of locals echoed the concerns online.
One person commented: ‘We cannot 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?’
Another claimed she saw a rat the size of her Jack Russell drinking from a puddle.
Residents also criticised Redcar and Cleveland Council, alleging that reports about food waste and rubbish being left in the street were being ignored.
Rats are known to grow to abnormal sizes when there is a continuous food supply, according to reports.
It is estimated that there are approximately 250 million rats in the UK.
They are considered a major public health concern due to the diseases they carry, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and rat-bite fever.
These can be spread via contaminated food, water, urine, droppings, or even direct bites.
The Eston ward councillors pointed out that the council no longer handles domestic rat infestations, leaving residents responsible for the issue.
They argued that the problem is worsened by overgrown public land and overflowing bins, and are calling for a district-wide vermin study and proper funding.
A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Council confirmed that they had a dedicated pest control officer for council-owned land, but no longer offered wider pest control services.
‘While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible,’ the statement read.
‘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.’
If the sight of a 55cm rat made your skin crawl, you’re not alone—rodent infestations are becoming alarmingly common in places we once trusted.
In another shocking case, diners were left horrified after footage revealed what had been lurking behind the scenes of a popular eatery.
It’s a powerful reminder that pests aren’t just a nuisance—they’re a health hazard hiding in plain sight.
Read more: Disgusting footage reveals infestation at popular home diner—see footage before your next visit!
If left unchecked, how big will the next one be?
