A number of pest control experts have warned homeowners to watch out for large rats the size of cats raising their heads in your bathrooms.
According to pest controllers, the giant rodents are sneaking their way into UK homes through water pipes and toilets.
In what seems to be becoming a common occurrence, large rats in toilets are being reported by horrified homeowners with increasing frequency.
As they can apparently tread water for days, experts are now warning people to rat-proof their homes to ward off the rodents.
According to pest control experts, the frequency of “monster rodents” is thought to have risen as of late due to councils avoiding collecting domestic waste every week to reduce costs and meet government recycling quotas, and due to house extensions during the pandemic.
It’s also thought that because more people are now working from home, rats don’t have as much food to eat in city centres, and so are coming into homes instead.
The frequency of “monster rodents” is thought to have risen as of late / Credit: Pxfuel
Pest control expert Terry Walker – who runs TP Pest Control Services – explained that: “Bins used to be collected every week, and now it’s once a fortnight [so] when it comes to them being collected, the rats have already had their fill.
“Years ago, I would have been excited to catch a 19-inch rat, but now I catch them regularly [and] I’m sure my record is going to be broken soon.
“It’s only a matter of time.”
Echoing what Mr Walker said, fellow pest control expert Ian Helands from Pests Be Gone told The Daily Star that “no one is safe” from a rodent visit during the winter, adding: “I have had more call-outs than ever from homeowners who have heard a noise, looked down into their toilet only to find a giant rat.
“Rats are excellent swimmers with bendy bones, can squeeze into the smallest of spaces, hold their breath for three minutes, tread water for three days… and are cunning and getting bolder and bolder.”
“Basically, if they want to get into your home, they will,” he added.
Both experts associated the problem with the pandemic.
Since COVID began, the Pests Be Gone boss claimed there has been a 25% increase in rat reports, and some of the rodents he has seen were “the size of cats”.
Another huge blaze has ripped through the historic Dalton Mills in West Yorkshire, which has played a starring role in major TV shows.
The beautiful old mill in Keighley was set ablaze on Saturday evening, with a huge emergency services response.
Around the time the blaze started, 12 fire engines were called to the scene, and residents nearby were urged to keep their windows and doors closed.
A number of people who lived in the surrounding area were also evacuated from their homes.
By Sunday morning, West Yorkshire Fire and Rescue said the situation was now 'under control' and thanked the public for their patience.
This is the third fire at Dalton Mills this year alone, devastating the Grade II-listed Victorian building, which was used as a filming location for period dramas Peaky Blinders and Downton Abbey.
Robbie Moor, MP for Keighley & Ilkley, shared a video of himself at the scene over the weekend and said the scenes at Dalton Mills were 'extremely concerning'.
He praised the West Yorkshire Fire & Rescue Service for their hard work, alongside police and ambulance crews.
He added in a post on X: "Huge thanks to our emergency services for all their efforts and bravery as they continue to tackle the blaze and put out this major fire, and ensure all are safe.
"Thank you also to all who have contacted me this evening. I have visited the scene myself and spoke with the emergency services and neighbouring residents."
In a video statement, he added: "We’ve had another major fire, here in the centre of Keighley, which is deeply infuriating for us all but most importantly those residents that live alongside Dalton Mills, and those businesses.
"This situation just simply cannot continue.
"You know that I’ve been calling on our local authority to secure this site as best as possible for years now, and this is our next major fire."
Inside Moida, the new Korean beauty and skincare store in Leeds city centre
Clementine Hall
If your skincare routine has been needing an upgrade, there's some good news waiting for you inside Trinity Leeds.
The shopping centre has just welcomed Moida, a brand-new beauty retailer specialising in authentic Korean skincare, bringing some of the world's most sought-after K-beauty products to Leeds.
Named after the Korean word meaning 'to gather' or 'come together', moida is all about making Korean skincare easy to discover and accessible for everyone.
Inside the new store that has taken over the old Claire's Accessories site, shoppers can expect an extensive range of handpicked products from some of the biggest names in K-beauty, including Beauty of Joseon, Dr. Althea, TIRTIR, Medicube, Biodance, and more cult-favourite brands.
The collection has been curated by a team of Korean beauty experts with close links to Korea, meaning customers can expect everything from viral TikTok sensations to exclusive products that are often difficult to get hold of elsewhere in the UK.
Moida K-Beauty has opened in Trinity Leeds. Credit: The Hoot Leeds
Steven Foster, Centre Director at Trinity Leeds, said: "With Korean skincare still increasing in popularity, moida brings an exciting new concept to the centre. Offering guests viral products alongside everyday essentials, plus the chance to browse new brands in-store will be a fantastic experience.
"We know moida is going to be a brilliant addition for both existing fans of K-beauty and those keen to discover it for the first time."
It's the latest announcement following the recent launches of Lane7, Footasylum, LEGO, Jerk Junction, The Fragrance Shop and schuh at Trinity Leeds.
The Hoot -
23rd February 2022 
