Ireland's leading pest control provider Rentokil has named Dublin as the most rat infested county in Ireland.
If you have a fear of rats and live in the capital, you are not going to like that almost a third of all rats in Ireland reside right under your feet.
A staggering 32% of rat infestations in Ireland last year occurred in Dublin, while Cork placed second with 12% and Kildare in third with 8%.
The top 10 counties invested by rats last year are as follows:
1. Dublin 32%
2. Cork 12%
3. Kildare 8%
4. Kerry 6%
5. Galway 6.%
6. Limerick 6%
7. Meath 5%
8. Wicklow 4%
9. Cavan 3%
10. Wexford 3%
Rentokil have also predicted that the number of rats are set to rise and pests will multiply in the colder weather and are more likely to find shelter indoors, so you might want to ensure that your home is locked up and any cracks filled.
Area Technical Manager of Rentokil, Dr. Colm Moore said: "rodents like to base themselves somewhere warm, quiet and close to a source of food.
"They can be very persistent and if rats gain access into your home or business they can spread disease, cause damage and contaminate food."
A pair of rats shed more than one-million body hairs each year and a single rat can leave up to 25,000 droppings - so you do not want to get your home infested by the little creatures.
The leading pest control provider has advised people to act quickly to get rid of rats and to try and prevent a larger infestation.
Rentokil also advised that you keep your food in metal or glass containers with tight lids, keep your garden clean and put your rubbish bins in metal bins to stop rats getting access.
