Nature always finds a way: Mutant Poison-resistant Rats

Rat catchers are asking for permission to use stronger poisons to deal with a plague of super rats that have developed resistance to common vermin control methods.

The mutant brown rats, which carry life-threatening diseases, have been emerging from their traditional havens in sewers and ditches and taking refuge in people's homes.

The problem has been made worse by recent wet weather, which has driven hordes of rats from flooded drains.

Some of the worst-hit areas are in the affluent home counties including Berkshire, Hampshire, Oxford and Henley-on-Thames, home to the Royal Regatta.

The Health and Safety Executive has been running a consultation after poison manufacturers applied to use stronger poisons, including brodifacoum which is currently restricted to indoor use, to control the UK's estimated 80 million rat population.

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http://news.sky.com/story/1024365/mutant-rats-catchers-call-for-stronger-poison