Rats have chewed a massive hole through a family’s ceiling in a scene out of a “horror movie”, as they spend nights listening to them scurrying around.
The family in Boothstown, in Salford, Greater Manchester, say they have been tormented by the furry rodents for months and claim to have had little to no help from their housing association. Rebecca has lived in the ForHousing property with her nine-year-old son and older teenage daughter since August 2021 and in that time the rats have gnawed through ceilings and kept them awake at night.
Rebecca told Manchester Evening News : “It's like a horror movie. My son is nine years old and afraid to go to bed. This is not acceptable.
“I reported the rats in February 2024 to ForHousing. I was point blank told they would not assist in the funding of pest control from the local housing officer.
"I had explained a rat had come through the kitchen cupboard while we ate dinner, causing so much distress as you can imagine. I have had to have time off work due to anxiety due to sometimes getting no sleep, but they have no interest.
“My worry is they are now chewing through the ceiling, so this is getting worse. It's horrendous. My children refuse to eat in the kitchen area.”
Rebecca says she believes a build-up of litter and rubbish bags in the area could be attracting the rats, and is now at her "wits' end" over the problem. She is worried a rat is going to fall through the ceiling into the bedroom.
ForHousing apologised to the family and said the problem is being dealt with by Salford City Council's pest control team. Martyn Hague, executive director of customer at ForHousing, said: "I am very sorry Rebecca is experiencing these issues, we want everyone to feel safe and happy with their home.
"That's why ForHousing referred Rebecca’s case to the pest control team at Salford City Council who are carrying out suitable treatment, which is ongoing. We appreciate this is a difficult and frustrating time while the treatment takes effect.
“Once it is finished, we will visit Rebecca to carry out any repairs that are needed. We have also taken action to address her concerns about litter near her home and are sharing information about steps which can be taken to avoid attracting pests. We will continue to support Rebecca and her family."