Rats creep me the fuck out.
Edinburgh invaded by mutant super-rats which feed on the poison meant to kill them
22 Nov 2013 09:12
PEST control firms are warning householders not to try to tackle the super-rates with conventional shop-bought poision.
EDINBURGH has been invaded by mutant super-rats which thrive on the poison designed to kill them, pest controllers have warned.
Residents’ efforts to rid their homes of the vermin menace are only making the creatures more resistant to toxins.
The problem was identified by a Huddersfield University research team who have been studying the rats’ DNA.
They found evidence the super-rats, capable of consuming the poison pellets “like feed”, are growing in numbers.
Now pest control firms have joined forces to warn householders not to try to tackle rats with shop-bought poison.
Richard Moseley, of the British Pest Control Association, said: “Normal rats are being killed off by poison, so these resistant species are taking their place.
“They eat poison like feed. You might as well be leaving out grain for them.
“I would urge people worried about infestations to seek professional advice.”
Rob Simpson, of Basis Prompt, who register qualified pest controllers, said: “It’s easy to get out of your depth when trying to control pests of all kinds as their treatment is often specialised.
“But that is particularly the case with these so-called super-rats, which are resistant to routine poisons.”
The city council offer their own pest control service and insist that the rat population is under control.
