Is this the biggest rat Coventry has ever seen?
As an influx of reports come to light, it is clear the rat population of Coventry seems more fearless than ever. I took my research to interviews and social media to cover the issue.
My own photography of a rat in Coventry.
I investigated sightings that have ranged from scratching sounds in bins down Lower Ford Street, running freely on Fairfax Street, in residents’ gardens and several car parks where they’ve dashed under cars. One particular insight from Donna Munslow, a success coach at Coventry University and local, noted how “the biggest rat ever seen used the zebra crossing between The Hub and Delia Darbyshire buildings.
Finding light on the situation – “It was, however, funny that a man commuting on a push bike stopped to let the rat cross and we laughed.”
Donna has had previous problems with rats at her home. Around a year ago, her messy neighbours lined mass amounts of bin bags against their shared wall, which drew the rodents to their garden. The pests made their home under her decking, which she only found out after tearing it up.
She had to contact the City Council, which promptly helped resolve the issue.
You can watch my interview with Donna here.
After launching an investigation via social media in the form of a poll to see if other Coventry residents have had contact with any rats during the week. From the results 73% said yes, 18% said no, and 9% said they had prior experiences.
Through that, Sam Fowler also provided a statement. He is a Coventry University student who lives in third-party accommodation. He said he’s “definitely seen an increase of rats in the last year or so, particularly in Birmingham and Coventry.” He thinks that the increase in bins left around is attracting them.
What can you do if you see a rat?
I reached out to Coventry City Council myself to find the most effective ways of deterring rats from your home, but was not provided with a statement.
But the council did release a statement with relevant details about managing pests.
I also followed up with four recommended companies that specialise in pest control, but also received no information either. It is worth reaching out for help if you are unsure about how to solve your issue.
Here is a list of pest controls in the Coventry area: Pest Controls.