A READING resident has shared the extent of a rodent infestation which has seen scores of rats congregate at his premises.
Jim Kim, who lives on Hieatt Close off Mount Pleasant, posted a video on social media documenting the issue which has persisted since early August.
The Katesgrove resident described the situation as ‘sickening’ and said he is confronted by at least three rats every time he opens his bins.
Mr Kim explained: “Apparently there’s been a problem for many years, but people seem to say it’s got worse because of the heat this summer.
“There were around 30 rats around the bin areas. They had bitten through the plastic bins from the council. Some of the rats were really big, even cats wouldn’t approach them.”
Mr Kim currently resides on the first floor of the affected block, but says all tenants on the ground floor have moved on since the infestation.
According to the resident, the rats have climbed the building through the water pipes and made their way onto the roof.
In a caption appearing alongside his video, Mr Kim said he first contacted his landlord who passed the issue onto the property management company.
The manager issued a response, which said: “The problem is unfortunately coming [from] Hawke Cottages, which is not within our remit to manage.
“I can only advise that you contact environmental health as Hawke Cottages are aware but they are doing nothing and we have no right to access their land.”
The next-door property is currently uninhabited, with Mr Kim describing the house as ‘abandoned’.
His online post gained traction, with residents leaving over 100 comments sharing advice or similar experiences.
One of the responders put Mr Kim through to Katesgrove councillor Liam Challenger, who was quick to report the issue.
Of the rodent infestation, Cllr Challenger said: “We have been working with residents to help solve the rat issue in the area.
“Sadly, there is no quick fix but working with residents, [the] council have managed to make a difference in the area and hopefully over the coming months we can solve the problem.”
Mr Kim says the situation has since improved, with pest control baiting out the garden and blocking an entry made by the rodents.
A lot of the ‘younger’ rats have been exterminated, but the Hiatt Close tenant said the larger ‘mum’ is still alive.
Through this ordeal, he has learned of many fellow Reading residents who are experiencing similar issues.
Mr Kim said: “A lot of people don’t know what to do. I started looking where people are talking about and it’s affecting so many areas, some around the riverside.
“Now what I learned is to talk to your landlord and talk to your councillor because they can help.”
