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Original poster

To be scared to sleep because there’s a rat in my house?

154 replies

ScaredOfRat · 26/07/2025 21:36

Watching the news this evening and a massive rat ran into the living room. I chased him out but not sure where he is now. I’m scared to sleep.

OP posts:
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9
Pessismistic · 29/07/2025 21:37

ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 21:34

Do you think any journalists read Mumsnet?

I have seen different posts on the daily mirror tbh don’t go the sun go to your own paper then the news like I’ve said itv news have helped people do you have a local news channel or radio station you could speak to.

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 21:34

Do you think any journalists read Mumsnet?

OP posts:
Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 21:33

@PinkyPia we would NEVER do that. We need the council to fix the holes so that they don’t come in.

OP posts:
WickWood · 29/07/2025 21:32

Gosh, I am so very sorry, this is absolutely disgraceful. I really hope you get some help soon!

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 21:32

We have a local paper. I would feel more comfortable contacting them than GB News or The Sun.

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PinkyPia · 29/07/2025 21:32

PLEASE DONNOT USE STICKY MATS OR POISON!

Not only are they extremely cruel but they are a danger to pets. A mouse can ingest poison then get caught by a cat and the cat x
can die.

My cat also came home with a sticky rat trap stuck in her fur. She had to be sedated to remove it!

Agapornis · 29/07/2025 21:29

Should you want to avoid GB News for whatever reason - the local newspaper does report on these things, as well as the local BBC (Local Democracy Reporting Service - probably the same journalist!).

andjustlikethat1 · 29/07/2025 21:26

I am so sad to see this. It’s utterly disgraceful that you pay 200 pounds per week for this. Please go down the route of the press xxxx

TheGentleButFirmMadonna · 29/07/2025 21:26

So is this what a doctor asks
How strange is that

TheBeesTrees · 29/07/2025 21:16

Would you be willing to let GB news in while your mums in hospital? Might make the council act when they decide to call you

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 21:09

It's Council. I have reported the situation to all relevant government departments, the London Assembly, Keir Starmer (LOL!), Minister for Housing, etc. No-one cares.

I spoke to the doctor in the hospital this evening and he asked me what I wanted to happen. I said I wanted Mum to go to Rehab for 3 weeks (this was offered to her at her last hospital admission) and for the Council to sort the house out whilst she's away. But I doubt that will happen.

Honestly, I just want to have a few glasses of wine and compose a Press Release and send it to all the papers and news channels with pictures: "THIS IS HOW WE LET OUR ELDERLY LIVE IN THE UK." I am SO angry.

OP posts:
TheGentleButFirmMadonna · 29/07/2025 21:02

Is it council or landlord
This is crazy.

Givenupshopping · 29/07/2025 20:26

'ScaredOfRat' I'm SO sorry to hear that your Mum's been taken to hospital, and really hope that it's nothing to do with Leptospirosis! Wishing her a speedy recovery.

Meanwhile, I would get onto the Council again and tell them that a meeting by phone is simply not good enough!! Did you report it to Environmental Health yet? If not, then please, please do!! I hate the thought of you living like this.

Bumcake · 29/07/2025 19:22

Honestly, you need to be more aggressive about this. Insist on a visit at least!

Brendahollowayreconsider · 29/07/2025 18:39

Hope your mum gets the care /treatment she needs.
From the pics you posted of your house it needs more than a bloody repair it needs gutted

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 29/07/2025 18:28

A quick update from me: Mum was taken into hospital by ambulance this afternoon. I have asked them to test for Leptospirosis just in case.

Also I finally heard from the council. They have scheduled a phone meeting on 8 August to discuss the ‘repair’. Phone meeting. They’re not even coming to the house. Maybe they’re scared of rats, too.

OP posts:
IcedPurple · 27/07/2025 13:21

YANBU.

I had a tiny little mouse in my flat a few years back and was terrified to go near the kitchen. I'd leave the lights on all night in the hope that it would scare him away from moving out of his lair. And rats are way scarier! I hope you get this sorted asap.

Catarinabella · 27/07/2025 13:12

Just saying I’m so sad and upset that you and your poorly mum have to live in this dilapidated place. Make your voice heard 💐

JHound · 27/07/2025 12:55

How can they get away with charging you £800 a month for this?!

I empathise. I have a crippling fear of rodents so would probably be in a hotel til it was sorted.

Tantomile · 27/07/2025 12:54

I assume next door is the same? The pictures are so bad they would suggest that your home would not be in isolation. Did you name and shame the council on twitter?

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 27/07/2025 12:52

I am taking myself off out today to Let Women Speak. I’ll get some peppermint oil whilst I’m out.

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BlueEyedBogWitch · 27/07/2025 11:49

I can’t believe this, it’s Dickensian.

OP, get onto the media. This is shocking.

ButteredRadish · 27/07/2025 11:46

You need to get out of that house, it sounds derelict.

LeavesOnTrees · 27/07/2025 11:46

It will def help to show the GP the mould and say you are very worried about the impact on her health.
Would you be able to ask the GP to write a letter for you to send to the council, environmental health etc. outling the risks to health due to living conditions ?
Keep sending emails and photos with everyone copied in, including local newspapers and MP.
Basically be a pain in their backside.
Emphasize how urgent the situation is.

(I think the mould problem is more concerning than the rat problem).

Original poster
ScaredOfRat · 27/07/2025 11:44

And this is the state of the ceiling in my bedroom. It looks like the valley ducting is collapsing. Maybe the roof will cave in and kill me and the rat 😂

To be scared to sleep because there’s a rat in my house?
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