More Norway (brown) rats are likely to be seen after recent rain.
More Norway (brown) rats are likely to be seen after recent rain.
Rodents are causing headaches for some Rotorua residents this winter, with locals saying it's the first time they have had such issues.
The residents' comments were backed up by Total Pest Control owner Rhys Wolfgram, who said the number of calls to sort out rat problems had been a littlehigher than usual.
"I have had a good number of call-outs, about at least two a day, but it seems to be right throughout the country. Nelson had a phenomenal problem recently, they were looking for a Pied Piper," he said.
"One place up at Mamaku, a couple went up north for 10 days and came back to find every piece of paper shredded up by rats, they had pretty much taken over the whole house," Mr Wolfgram said.
Telltale signs of rats included droppings in-hot water cupboards and the sound of the rodents in ceiling cavities and walls.
Mangakakahi resident Tracey Flay said she found two large dead rats behind her Sunset Rd property within a month.
"I've lived here for five years and have never come across them before, not mice, nothing," Miss Flay said. "I'm more concerned about the safety of my toddler than anything."
A Ngakuru resident, who did not want to be named, also said rats were an issue.
