Locals have raised concerns about an increase in rubbish on the streets across Cardiff as recent figures show there has been a rise in the number of rat sightings in the city.
One resident described walking past large rats in the alley behind her house, while another found one under the bonnet of her car, chewing through the wires.
Data released by Cardiff Council shows that the number of rats in Cardiff has increased by 16% between 2022 and 2023. There were more than 300 rat sightings in 2023 alone.
Chanice Stones lives in Roath and said confusion around changes to rubbish collections and increasing levels of fly-tipping has contributed to the problem.
People should be educated more on how to get rid of their rubbish, and when it gets collected. The constant changes and strikes don’t help.”
The council has even seen a rise in callouts to its own buildings, with more than a hundred between January 2022 and December 2023.
Emily Jenkins works in a council office and has described seeing them on her way into work.
“The rats are now coming into our offices and although we’ve had poison put down by other teams that just means we’re coming in to dead rats in the morning.”
In response the council has released guidance to those experiencing issues, such as removing nests and ensuring your property is free of holes.
A council spokesperson said: ‘Sewers are treated in areas where there has been an increase in rodent sightings and we do have a paid-for service which helps eradicate rats from residents’ homes.”