THERE are fears that the rat infestation problem in Crediton is rising.

Just last week members of the public watched as a rat made its way up Market Street in the town during daylight hours before heading into a hole under a property.

Town residents have recently reported rats being heard in the walls and ceilings of their homes and many have called in pest control specialists to deal with the problem.

Others have seen them in their gardens and around littered areas, sightings believed to be on the up.

Recent flooding, ageing drainage networks, greater food supply, litter, better available shelter, a milder climate and reduced sewer baiting are believed to be behind the problem.

Some people have expressed concerns about Weil’s disease, a potentially fatal infection passed on through rat urine.

Advice is that wherever residents see anything concerning they should flag this to their local council team on the website: https://www.middevon.gov.uk .

Visit British Pest Control Association's website for further advice.

• Do you think the rat problem is rising in Crediton? Share your views with fellow Courier readers, email: [email protected] .