Pest controller warns fortnightly bin collections in Dorset are fuelling 'monster rats' up to 1.5ft

A pest controller who snared the nation’s biggest rat has warned that fortnightly bin collections are fuelling ‘monster rodents.’

Professional pest-catcher Terry Walker said higher calorie food waste left hanging around for longer had led to a boom in 20ins long rats.

He and his trusty terrier dog, Max, had extra work during the pandemic as more people built extensions, making it easier for rodents to enter their homes through old pipes.

Mr Walker, 56, caught what is still believed to be the biggest rat in the UK in November 2018, measuring a staggering 21ins.

But now he regularly catches specimens which are almost as big and expects to break his own record in the near future.

Mr Walker, 56, who caught what is believed to be Britain’s biggest rat in 2018, measuring 21ins, has warned that fortnightly waste collections in Dorset are driving a rise in ‘monster rats’ 

Like the majority of local authorities across the country, the local BCP Council in Bournemouth, Dorset, collects domestic waste bins once every fortnight.

This is to reduce costs and meet government recycling quotas.

But Mr Walker, who runs TP Pest Control Services, said better management of waste was needed to curb the growing numbers of mega-rats.

He said: ‘Years ago, I would have been excited to catch a 19 inch rat but now I catch them regularly.

‘I’m sure my record is going to be broken soon – I’m seeing some huge rats. It’s only a matter of time.

‘They have easy access to high-calorie food so they’re getting bigger. 

‘It’s about the type of waste and how long it’s left before being collected.

‘Bins used to be collected every week – now its once a fortnight. When it comes to them being collected, the rats have already had their fill.

‘Nearly all of my work comprises of rats and that is growing year on year. We do a lot in Bournemouth, often in back alleys, bin areas and takeaway premises which can be extremely busy.

‘The owners of these businesses can be perfectly ethical and professional but if there’s a mess left by the public that can be it.

‘Business owners can be a scapegoat if a rat runs by but often there are surrounding influences that have caused it.

Mr Walker’s trusty companion, Max, a terrier, stands beside a 21-inch rat caught by the pair in 2018 

Professional pest hunter Mr Walker said pandemic-era house extensions have allowed rats to enter homes more easily through old pipes

‘Most pest controllers I know have seen an increase in business during the pandemic and that is party down to the management of waste but also the number of people modifying their homes.

‘There’s a massive rise in people building extensions. When they do, rats can find their way in through old redundant pipes.’

Bobbie Dove, portfolio holder for regulatory services at BCP Council, said they had ‘adequate’ provisions for dealing with rats.

He said: ‘We can reassure residents that we have adequate provision to deal with any pest control issues – we employ the latest techniques and have experienced no reduction in their effectiveness.

‘It is extremely important that people manage their waste properly especially their food waste bins to help reduce the opportunity for pests to feed or bed down in leftover material.

‘We remain available to respond to pest control enquiries from Monday to Friday.’