A pest control firm today revealed how it was being overrun with calls to deal with rodents in Tendring.
Combat Pests, based at Eight Ash Green, has seen a major increase in the number of pleas for help from residents across the district.
The rise in contacts started as early as April and has continued throughout the summer.
Director Helen Potter said the early calls were an indicator of what was to follow as it was the start of the breeding season.
"The public are becoming more aware of the commonness of rats," she said.
"The sighting and invasion of homes and gardens is distressing and can be dangerous and these pests spread disease and cause destruction."
In Clacton, there has been a 31 per cent increase in sightings with a 27 per cent rise in call-outs to private homes.
In Walton, sightings are up 27 per cent and call-outs by 25 per cent. In Frinton, the figures are up 19 per cent and 18 per cent.
More in today's Evening Gazette
Published Friday, September 16, 2005
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