READING Borough Council culled rats from a housing estate in Southcote by shooting them.
Specialist contractors used firearms after conventional pest control methods failed.
One firm that carries out the practice said it is a safe and effective method that is discreet and, using night vision optics, can take place outside of daylight hours.
A spokesperson for Reading Borough Council said: “The cull of rats from one block at Granville Road flats took place as a last resort after more conventional measures failed.
“While poison and traps were initially laid, these did not work quickly enough to prevent further breeding.
“The Council was therefore advised by pest control professionals that this route was the most likely to prevent a further spread of the infestation, which local residents understandably wanted action on.”
They said that residents in the affected area were warned.
“Letters were sent to residents of this particular block advising why and when the cull was happening,” they said.
“Full safety measures were in place, including cordoning off the area and a contractor positioned on site whose only role was to ensure public safety.”
