42-year-old David Hollard, a resident of Pucklechurch near Bristol, finds himself on the verge of homelessness due to a severe rat infestation. This unusual incident has not only baffled the public but has also left pest control experts stunned by the scale of the problem.
Hollard, who lives with his family, first noticed signs of the infestation around June 2020, but it wasn’t until three months ago that the situation spiralled out of control. Initially, he reported the issue to the landlord of a neighbouring property, believing that the rats were originating from there. However, despite his concerns, no immediate action was taken. As time passed, the family began hearing eerie scratching noises in the ceiling, signalling the rats’ invasion into their home.
The situation quickly escalated as the rats wreaked havoc on Hollard’s property. They damaged the kitchen ceiling, disrupted the water mains, and caused the electricity supply to fail six times. Despite their efforts, including spending over £1,000 (Rs 1.08 lakh) on professional pest control services and electricians, the family could not contain the infestation. The damage was so extensive that Hollard resorted to tearing down parts of his kitchen in a desperate attempt to block the rats’ entry points.
The severity of the infestation has forced Hollard’s three young children to live with their grandparents, as the house is no longer safe. The family is also grappling with significant financial strain due to the ongoing crisis. In addition to the costs of pest control, the damage to the electrical system has compounded their woes, making it increasingly difficult for them to manage the situation.
Hollard is now contemplating selling the house and moving to a safer location, as the rat infestation has made their current home uninhabitable. Pest control experts have noted that hot weather often drives pests indoors in search of cooler environments, exacerbating infestations and making them harder to control. This ordeal has highlighted the unpredictable and devastating impact that such infestations can have on homeowners.
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