Fucking long article can be summarised to a single paragraph of useful info. What a waste of time. This is why it's increasingly difficult to read mainstream media editorials.....

There are many possible reasons for this. Niall Gallagher, technical manager at the BPCA, says our growing appetite for fast food (bins are overflowing with fast food waste), the fact some councils collect rubbish less frequently, as well as road and building works disturbing the sewer network, all contribute.

But there is evidence that rising temperatures might also be at play.

Land is disappearing like crazy, and we're putting up buildings so we reduce their [rats] habitat in the wild

rats can start breeding after nine weeks, meaning two rats can potentially create more than 1,000 offspring in a single year.

Rat poisons are very difficult to develop because rats are afraid of new things and won't eat the poison.