A MUM told how she is “terrified” to live in her own home after an army of rats ripped her clothes to shreds and destroyed her sofa.
Kathryn Bottrill, 28, said her home in Seaham, County Durham, has been overrun by rodents that have caused thousands of pounds worth of damage.
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The fed-up mum explained the vermin had wormed their way inside from the back garden and have now forced her family out.
She claims she is now effectively “homeless” after the swarm of rats took over and began chewing through clothing, munching on their food, and leaving droppings everywhere.
Kathryn’s two kids are “petrified” of their unwanted house guests, with the trio unable to sleep in their infested home.
The single mum has now called on council bosses to find her a new home and fork out for her damaged possessions.
She told Chronicle Live: “They started coming in through the loft and the kitchen cupboards.
“They basically had the run of the house when I was asleep.
“They have destroyed everything in my house. They have been nibbling away at the sofas, clothing, everything.
“Hearing the rats at night when I’m trying to go to sleep has been absolutely terrifying. The kids don’t want to be there, they are absolutely petrified.
“The sofa has been completely destroyed as well as clothing, including the kids’ school uniforms.
“I haven’t lived in the property for three weeks now. Me and my kids have basically been homeless going from house to house.”
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After reporting the pesky problem to Seaham housing association, sub-firm Believe Housing sent out pest control.
Contractors came to fill in potential points of entry for the rats, while poison was also laid out – but Kathryn says the vermin are somehow immune to the substance.
The weary single mum explained the rats don’t seem to be affected by the poison – but are trailing it through her home.
Kathyrn was then left concerned of the effects the toxin may have on her family, after discovering traces of it on her children’s bedding.
And she claims she can’t even escape the pests in her tub after a long day – as she “would be lying on top of rat droppings”.
The 28-year-old has now demanded to be rehomed and for the housing association to pay for what the rodents have destroyed.
Believe Housing said they were continuing work to get rid of the rats and offered Kathyrn alternative accommodation for the time being.
Executive director of communities and customer services Nik Turner said: “A customer in Seaham made us aware of an issue she was experiencing with rats, which we referred to our specialist contractor Durham County Council.
They have destroyed everything in my house. They have been nibbling away at the sofas, clothing, everything.
Kathryn Bottrill
“Durham County Council treated the issue and we carried out work to block the rodent access and had the house deep cleaned.
“We were about to start remedial work when it was reported that, unfortunately, rats had found a different way into the property.
“We have extended our surveys to establish the source of the problem and are working hard to resolve it as soon as possible.
“During this time, we offered the family temporary accommodation, but they were able to stay with relatives.
“We understand how upsetting this situation must be and continue to support the customer so the family can safely and happily return to their home.”
Durham County Council also confirmed it will persist with their efforts to solve the rodent problem.
Ian Hoult, Durham County Council’s neighbourhood protection manager, said: “We are aware of the situation and are carrying out pest control work on behalf of Believe Housing.
“We have been attempting to resolve the issue through treatment, however, we have not been able to access the property on a number of agreed visits, which is essential for the treatment’s success.
“During the course of the visits we have been able to complete, we have identified how the rats may be entering the property and have provided this information to Believe Housing to assist with further investigations and proofing works.
“We will continue to work with the tenant and Believe Housing to treat the premises until the matter has been resolved.”
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