Queen horrified after spotting rats running through Palace kitchens, pest control called in to tackle menace
The Buckingham Palace has had to call in a pest control squad to tackle a severe rodent menace which has reportedly left the Queen absolutely "horrified". Palace officials decided to call pest control after seeing a rat running through the kitchens.
According to a report by The Sun, a source shared, "Mice and rats are increasingly problematic in the capital, especially in very old buildings. Staff in the lower quarters especially have become quite used to seeing little brown mice tearing along the corridors. There isn’t a huge amount that can be done. But council pest control did come in to put down poison and examine the problem. Staff, particularly kitchen workers, were given elementary training in how to stop them spreading."
"Obviously hygiene is a priority, as are simple things like shutting cupboard doors and sweeping away any crumbs or bits of food. Rats have been spotted around the outside of the kitchen areas which clearly isn’t ideal," the source added.
The Queen's home dates back to 1703. Last year Britain was reportedly under threat of a super-rat invasion given the rise of the rare breed of rodent. The rodents, which have long tails, have grown immune to the poison which is normally given to them, a spokesperson for the British Pest Control Association shared. The rats had developed a genetic mutation which was known as L120Q which renders many toxins useless and ineffective.
Just a few miles away in Eaton Square, a rat infestation has also been reported. A few of the homes which are estimated to be worth £70 million are owned by Joan Collins and the Duke of Westminster. The rat problem has been reportedly caused by ongoing building work.
Despite the rodent infestation at the Palace, the Queen was seen at Royal Ascot this week and was seen attending many events. She was seen handing out the trophy at the end of the Polo tournament and has been attending the Ascot since 1952. Other members of the royal family were also seen at the final event including a rare appearance by the King and Queen of Netherlands.