Urgent rat ‘invasion’ alert to all those living in 15 UK cities this week

Brits have been warned that rats are particularly likely to try and seek shelter from Storm Éowyn in their homes and gardens this weekend.

The brutal conditions may disturb rats’ regular nesting areas, and as such the rodents will look for warmer, safer places to take cover.

Storm Éowyn is expected to bring 100mph winds, with a particular focus on Northern Ireland and western Scotland. Both areas have been given rare red weather warnings by the Met Office.

Met Office chief meteorologist Paul Gundersen said of the incoming storm: “We reserve the issuing of Red Warnings for the most severe weather which represents a likely danger to life and severe disruption, and that is the case with Storm Éowyn.

“While it will be widely very windy on Friday, with additional hazards from rain and snow, the strongest winds and most significant impacts are likely in Northern Ireland and central and southwestern parts of Scotland within the Red Warning areas, where winds could gust 80-90 mph quite widely for a time, and potentially up to 100 mph for exposed coasts in particular.”

Chris Bonnett, gardening expert and founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk, is warning Brits in affected areas to prepare to hear the scuttle of rats in their homes when the weather turns.

“Stormy weather conditions such as wind and rain often damages natural nesting sites, forcing rats to find another home”, he said.

“You may find that they are trying to enter your home and if you’re experiencing them in your garden it means they’ve viewed it as a suitable place to begin building a nest and keep warm.

“Rats are more likely to do this if you have a lot of debris and garden waste on the ground or sources of food growing such as fruits and vegetables.

“The good news is that there are natural ways to deter rats including using garlic powder, removing potential water sources and covering any gaps and holes in and around your garden and home.”