Pest controllers are issuing warnings that large rats are currently sneaking their way into UK homes through toilets.
In an event that seems to be happening every year at this point, rats, which are in some cases described as being “as big as cats”, are apparently taking the shocking and somewhat unconventional method to escape the harsh conditions outside and gain entry to our homes by climbing through toilets.
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.
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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.
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“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.”
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“Basically, if they want to get into your home, they will,” he added.
Some of the rodents pest controllers are reporting seeing are “the size of cats” / Credit: Vincent J Musti / Nat Geo
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”.
Hungry Mancs can help themselves to free sandwiches this bank holiday weekend… but there’s a bit of a catch.
You can only get yourself a sandwich if you have one of these particular names.
We’ve been enjoying some absolutely stunning sunshine across Greater Manchester and much of the UK over the past couple of months, and nothing says sunny days more than taking a packed lunch or grabbing a meal deal and taking it to your local park or greenspace for a picnic.
This is why Pret A Manger has decided to make picnics easier for those who are lucky enough to have a certain type of name.
This late May bank holiday weekend, the popular high street coffee shop chain will be dishing out hundreds of free sandwiches across the UK – including here in Manchester – to anyone whose name happens to start with ‘Nic’.
That means people called Nick, Nicholas, Nicola, Nicole, Nico, Nicolette, and plenty of others could be in with a chance of some free feasting over these next couple of days.
You can get FREE sandwiches in Manchester this weekend / Credit: Wikimedia Commons | Supplied
Here in Manchester, it’s the chain’s Portland Street site, just off Piccadilly Gardens, that’s participating in the free giveaway this weekend, and there’ll be 50 sandwiches a day given out, so you’ll need to be quick if your name starts with ‘Nic’ and you’re feeling peckish.
The offer is only limited to Pret’s freshly-made sandwiches, and unfortunately excludes baguettes, wraps, or rye rolls… but free food is better than no food, after all.
All you’ll need to do to grab a freebie is show your ID at the tills of participating stores this Saturday (24 May) to prove your name, and you’ll get to walk out with your lunch in hand, all without having to spend a penny.
Manchester’s Portland Street Pret A Manger will be giving out 50 free sandwiches to ‘Nics’ this Saturday, and they’re on a first-come-first-served basis.
Featured Image – Eaters Collective (via Unsplash)
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BBC needs adventurous Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World
Are you a fan of travelling? Got a bit of a competitive streak in your nature? This might just be your calling then.
The BBC is currently casting for the next series of Race Across the World.
The BAFTA-winning hit show is currently airing to thousands of viewers each week, but with the next series now in the works, producers are on the look-out for ‘intrepid duos’ of all ages who reckon they’re ready to take a step into the unknown, and embark on an epic race across land and sea – and that includes Greater Manchester residents.
With applications for the next series of the massively-popular show now open, nomadic Mancs are being encouraged to take part.
On a limited budget and away from the luxuries of modern technology and conveniences, those lucky applicants selected to take part in the next series will get the chance to experience life in some of the world’s most beautiful and remote locations.
BBC is looking for Mancs to take part in next series of Race Across the World / Credit: BBC
Navigating their way across thousands of miles, they’ll travel through spectacular scenery and dynamic cities, visit ancient wonders, learn local customs, and take part in time-honoured traditions.
But, as producers are keen to point out, “the physical journey is only half of the story”.
That’s because, as the contestants take on the challenge of travelling across the world, the greatest thing they’ll discover along the way could actually be about themselves and one another.
Putting out a UK-wide casting call on the BBC website this week, producers Studio Lambert wrote: “We are now accepting applications for the next series of Race Across the World. This experience is open to all, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or total novice.
“We want to hear what undertaking a trip like this would mean to you, and with a cash prize at stake, what lengths you would go to to win.
Applications for the massively-popular show are now open / Credit: BBC
“Maybe you’re looking to change something in your life? Or are keen to share the journey with someone special like a family member, best friend, or someone you’ve lost touch with. You may even have a very personal reason for wanting to travel at this time in your life or explore a particular part of the world.”
Fancy it then?
Applications for the third series of Race Across the World are now open for anyone over 18 years of age, with a deadline date of 6 July 2025, and you can find out more information and apply via the BBC website.
Emily Sergeant -
22nd February 2022 
