There are now more than 250,000 rats in one Lancashire town thanks to a significant population boom during lockdown.

It is estimated that Blackpool is now home to around 313,982 rats - 2.2 rats for every person in the town - due to urban areas being frequented less, more food seen going to waste, and nests being made in vacant buildings. 

Jenny Rathbone from Blackpool pest control company, pest.co.uk said: "They say you are only ever six feet away from a rat – and in typical 2020 fashion it’s now more likely in Blackpool than ever this year.

"Rats have been breeding like crazy during lockdown and making their nests in vacant buildings in quiet streets with poor waste practices.

“We are seeing a huge increase in rat problems throughout Blackpool as lockdown has really helped them breed in relative peace with closed properties with poor waste management practices providing them with plentiful food and shelter."

Ms Rathbone said the number of rats in the infestations they have been called to have increased by 25 percent this year, compared to last year.

The cities with the highest rat populations in the UK are:

  1. London – 19.9m
  2. Birmingham – 2.4m
  3. Leeds – 1.7m
  4. Glasgow – 1.3m
  5. Sheffield – 1.2m
  6. Manchester – 1.1m
  7. Edinburgh – 1.1m
  8. Liverpool – 1m
  9. Bristol – 950,000
  10. Cardiff – 760,000

Ms Rathbone continued: "The problem we have right now is that rats are trying to bed down for winter, and this will happen when we get a few cold snaps.

"So we are now advising all residents and businesses in Blackpool to take proactive measures before winter really hits and rats try and find a warm home for the winter months.

"These include blocking up holes in brickwork, cellars and attics; cleaning cupboards; securing all food sources; and preparing traps.

“The main thing to remember is rats need food and shelter to breed, so any food source should be quickly cleaned away – keeping bin and yard areas clean and tidy is key to keeping rats under control."

More details can be found here.