Izzy Lepone 05 August 2025

Councillors fear pest issues amid discovery of colossal rat

Councillors fear pest issues amid discovery of colossal rat image
Black rat with long whiskers resting on yellow patterned fabric. © Neskuchniy071 Vladimir / Shutterstock.com.

A vermin case involving a 22-inch rat found in a Normanby home has raised concerns about a council’s pest control management.

The cat-sized rodent was caught by pest control services in the Redcar and Cleveland area, prompting Conservative councillors to call for a ‘proper vermin control strategy’ after viewing an image of the rat, according to The Independent.

Councillors have reportedly criticised the discontinuation of free pest control services for residents across the borough, which they argue has caused the issues to escalate.

A spokesperson for Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council emphasised that a ‘dedicated pest control officer’ oversees the management of ‘pest issues on council-owned land’.

‘While we no longer provide a wider pest control service, we do offer advice to residents where possible.

‘The council continues to work with Beyond Housing, Northumbrian Water and other partners to address complex issues and explore potential solutions. There is also helpful guidance and preventative measures on our website to support people in dealing with pests’, they added.

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