'Super rats' that carry a genetic mutation making them immune to conventional poisons could soon plague the UK.
The discovery of the mutant gene has left some scientists fearing a massive population spike in the vermin population.
A University of Reading report identified the huge extent of the mutation, dubbed L120Q, in rats "across the whole of central southern England".
Dee Ward-Thompson, from the British Pest Control Association, said: "The study highlights the fact that resistance is growing in rat species across a swathe of the country.
“Rats without the genetic mutation are being killed off by poison, so the resistant species are taking their place, leaving a growing population of resistant pure-breds.
“Rats must be dealt with by those with the skills required to understand rodent behaviour and their habitat, and who know how to treat any particular strain."
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) claims a typical house likely has more than a dozen potential entry points for rats and mice.
A BCPA spokesman said: "Reports of poison-resistant rats have been increasing in recent years and it seems likely that there'll be a further surge in numbers.
"Rats must be dealt with by a professional pest controller who knows the area in question and their likely habitat, and knows how to treat any particular strain."
The discovery of the mutant gene has left some scientists fearing a massive population spike in the vermin population.
A University of Reading report identified the huge extent of the mutation, dubbed L120Q, in rats "across the whole of central southern England".
Dee Ward-Thompson, from the British Pest Control Association, said: "The study highlights the fact that resistance is growing in rat species across a swathe of the country.
“Rats without the genetic mutation are being killed off by poison, so the resistant species are taking their place, leaving a growing population of resistant pure-breds.
“With their numbers expanding there could be a significant risk to public health if their population is left unchecked, in both urban and rural environments.”
The L120Q mutation is thought to be the most effective form of rodent poison resistance ever identified.
Ms. Ward-Thompson warned that the exact reasons for the new genetic strain have not been identified but it is most likely down to 'amateurs' trying to eradicate rats with shop bought poisons.
“The clear message is that, to be effective in tackling this issue, people should not attempt to self-treat rats," she added.
“Professional use only rodenticides are often more successful, but most are subject to strict legislation, so it has become more important than ever before to make sure infestations are treated by experts.
The L120Q mutation is thought to be the most effective form of rodent poison resistance ever identified.
Ms. Ward-Thompson warned that the exact reasons for the new genetic strain have not been identified but it is most likely down to 'amateurs' trying to eradicate rats with shop bought poisons.
“The clear message is that, to be effective in tackling this issue, people should not attempt to self-treat rats," she added.
“Professional use only rodenticides are often more successful, but most are subject to strict legislation, so it has become more important than ever before to make sure infestations are treated by experts.
“Rats must be dealt with by those with the skills required to understand rodent behaviour and their habitat, and who know how to treat any particular strain."
The British Pest Control Association (BPCA) claims a typical house likely has more than a dozen potential entry points for rats and mice.
A BCPA spokesman said: "Reports of poison-resistant rats have been increasing in recent years and it seems likely that there'll be a further surge in numbers.
"Rats must be dealt with by a professional pest controller who knows the area in question and their likely habitat, and knows how to treat any particular strain."
Music: "Spellbound" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Source: NCBI, Mirror , Daily Mail
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