Mild weather in Britain means giant rat population could soar up to 200 million

THE population of large “super rats” is expected to explode and hit the 200 million mark following warm weather.

THE warm winter could see Britain’s giant rat population soar to up to 200 million, experts warn.

The mild weather will see an increase in numbers of super rats up to 2ft long.

Rats can breed all year round as long as the weather does not get too cold and there is plenty of food.

So the warm winter is expected to boost numbers from the current 160 million by 40 million in the coming months.

Lots of natural food is available because the UK has not been covered for weeks on end by snow and ice.

The British Pest Control Association said the spread of super rats has sped up in recent years because many shop-bought poisons are ineffective.

Some rats have developed such an immunity they are feeding on supposedly toxic pellets.

The BPCA’s Simon Forrester said “Reports of poison-resistant rats have been increasing and it seems likely that there’ll be a further surge in numbers.

“Stronger rodenticides can be more effective, but most are subject to strict legislation.” Pest controllers want the EU to approve stronger poisons.

Scientists have been monitoring the progress of the super rat in 17 counties.

Genetic testing has revealed a mutation that allows them to survive conventional poisons in use since the 1950s.