MORE than 400,000 "giant" rats are now running rife across Basildon as a result of two Covid lockdowns, pest control experts have warned.

There is now thought to be 2.2 rats per person in the town, thanks to empty buildings and quiet streets through two coronavirus lockdowns.

Homeowners, landlords, and restaurants are all being asked to step up to help.

Council bosses insist buildings have “adequate pest control measures” in place, but Andrew Baggott, leader of Basildon’s Tories, called on landlords to carry out routine “pest inspections” of buildings left vacant this year.

Pest, a Basildon pest control company, has urged homeowners to block any holes in sheds or lofts, clear unused cupboards, secure all food sources, and leave out rat traps.

This follows a 25 per cent increase in the size of rats which Pest has recorded.

Jenny Rathbone, from the firm, said: “They say you are only ever six feet away from a rat – and in typical 2020 fashion it’s now more likely in Basildon than ever this year.

“We are seeing a huge increase in rat problems throughout Basildon as lockdown has really helped them breed in relative peace with closed properties with poor waste management practices providing them with plentiful food and shelter.”

Mr Baggott added: “It’s the responsibility of restaurant owners and landlords to ensure good practice is maintained. Once you see one, pest control need to be called in immediately.

“If droppings or things have been chewed, you know they’re there. But in lockdown, nobody is there.

“People will also be feeding squirrels and birds, which does attract rats."

“There needs to be legislation to ensure landlords are on top of this. They need to be doing regular inspections if the building is empty, perhaps three months apart.”

A spokesman from Basildon Council,said: “We ensure businesses and landowners across the borough have adequate pest control measures in place and are able to take enforcement action when it is appropriate to do so.”

Visit www.basildon.gov.uk/pestcontrol.