The number of rats resistant to poison has soared in recent years due to a naturally-occurring mutation of genes. The current rat population is estimated at more than 100 million.
Even the coypu, a giant rat usually found swimming in the swamps of South America, arrived in Ireland last year.
Testing by Huddersfield University revealed the animals have mutated and can survive over-the-counter poisons that are making them bigger and stronger. Immune to the toxic pellets, the rodents are actually increasing in size and strength.
Pest control methods are gradually killing off the normal-size rat population, allowing the poison-resistant species to take over.
The British Pest Control Association has issued a warning that the mutant rats, some as big as cats, will start nesting in homes in the lean winter months.
There are many ways rats can get into homes through gaps as small as 15mm, such as pipes and vents or gaps in the eaves and roof edges.
Home owners are being warned to listen out for noises under the floor, in the walls or loft. They breed rapidly and will soon invade occupied areas of the house in search of food.
Apart from the health risks, they will foul water tanks and chew on wood or electrical wires, causing damage and starting fires.
About ten years ago, rats got into our pantry through a ventilation shaft. They chewed a hole in the paper vent and crawled over all our dry goods. Luckily, the rats couldn't open the door or squeeze underneath. A council health and safety expert set traps and laid poison outside.
It's scary to hear the little creatures inside your home. My worry was only relieved when workmen sealed the air gap between the walls so they couldn't reach the repaired pipe. Also, they ripped the ivy off the outer wall, removing access into the loft. The rodents in this case were country rats.
I think all creatures have equal rights, except when they invade our homes.
Have you ever encountered a rat?