Rats are unwelcome guests that visit us during the colder months, especially attracted to household waste at Christmas time.

The irresistable odour from bins full of festive food make our homes even more enticing to hungry little creatures. Rats are particularly attracted to the remains of a roast dinner, plenty of which can be found in our bin bags in the days after Christmas.

Discarded packaging such as cardboard and paper provides also provides ideal nesting material which is perfect for the cold winter weather, while overflowing bins create easy access to food.

With cold weather also forecast, mice and rats will be eager to find warmth and shelter, increasing the likelihood of infestations in sheds, garages, bins stores and even our homes.

Without proper waste management, households risk becoming prime targets for these pests during the festive season.

Thousands of Brits could also be facing problems with rubbish collections, with some parts of the country forced to wait up to 28 days for festive rubbish collections - so binmen can have extra time off.

Rats can make you sick by spreading diseases through their droppings, urine, saliva, bites or the parasites they carry.

During winter, rats seek warmth and shelter, often invading homes in search of food, nesting sites, and protection from the cold, making them more likely to cause infestations.

To help keep a festive rat-astophe at bay, the experts at experts at York Recycling have shared some advice on their website.

1. Secure your bin lids

Rats are skilled at squeezing through gaps and chewing through openings. Keeping bin lids securely closed reduces the chance of them gaining access and encourages them to move elsewhere.

2. Replace damaged bins

Bins with cracks or broken lids provide easy entry points for rats. They also fail to contain waste and odors effectively, increasing the likelihood of attracting pests.

3. Consider bin placement

Where you position your bins matters—avoid damp spots or areas near heat sources or direct sunlight. Proper placement reduces decomposition and excessive odours that could lure rats.

4. Bag your food waste

Unbagged food releases strong smells that stick to your bin’s interior and attract rats. Always ensure food waste is securely bagged before disposal.

5. Keep your bin clean

Regularly cleaning your bins eliminates odours and reduces the risk of attracting rats. Use disinfectants to kill harmful bacteria, and wear gloves or hire a cleaning service for the task.