One of the rats caught in Sliema by pest control personnel.

Demolition works in Sliema have given rise to a new problem – an invasion of rats, some as large as cats.

While the problem is not new in Sliema, residents who spoke to Times of Malta said it got worse with construction work on the rise throughout the town.

“In just one of the streets, pest controllers caught some eight rats the size of big cats or small dogs. It's horrible and it seems as though the problem keeps getting worse,” one resident said.

The fact that many residents and businesses were leaving their garbage out on the streets for a number of hours, sometimes even overnight, was adding to the problem.

“There have been cases where I was walking down the street and came across dead rats. If I am out with my children I have to be very careful,” the mother said.

In just one of the streets, pest controllers caught some eight rats the size of big cats or small dogs

Sliema mayor Anthony Chircop confirmed that the problem with rats had persisted for many years. It had reached a whole new level last summer as a result of the dry winter before.

“We do get complaints about rats, yes, and we make sure to pass these along to the health authorities.

“However, I wasn't aware of a spike in reports in recent weeks, but it is very plausible, yes,” the mayor said.

Echoing the residents’ comments, Mr Chircop also blamed the increase in construction work being carried out in Sliema as the main cause of the infestation.

“You have gardens being excavated, drains being opened up, all this contributes to the increase in reports of rat sightings.”

He added that most reports came from Qui-si-Sana and the promenade area but there had also been some from the central parts of the locality.

Residents needed to do their share by not littering, he added, saying there was not much that could be done by the council other than pass on reports to the authorities.

He also encouraged residents who came across any rodents to alert the council which would then be able to pass on the information.