Nearly 3,500 rat complaints were made to local authorities in west London last year.
The exclusive figures rank the worst offending boroughs in the area, with the highest reaching nearly 1,000 calls from people concerned with the long-tailed pests, and the lowest at just more than 150.
One council did not divulge specific information on rat requests.
Hillingdon is the west London borough with the worst record for rat reports to the council, the figures have shown.
A total of 930 rat complaints were made to the council between January and November 2016 – around 200 more than the second worst borough, Ealing.
Hayes and Harlington in Hillingdon are the "rat capitals" of west London, with 182 calls coming from those areas during the 11 month period.
The information was obtained by getwestlondon using Freedom of Information requests to eight local authorities in west London.
More rat complaints were made in Hayes and Harlington than were made in the entire of Kensington and Chelsea during that period.
In Uxbridge there were 160 reports and 153 in Ruislip.
| Local Authority | Rat complaints to the authority |
| Brent | 356 |
| Ealing | 733 |
| Hammersmith and Fulham | 183 |
| Harrow | 464 |
| Hillingdon | 930 |
| Hounslow | 647 |
| Kensington and Chelsea | 161 |
| Westminster | No data available |
Ealing is the second worst west London borough for rat reports, with 733, followed by Hounslow with 647.
The lowest number of rat reported between January and November came from Kensington and Chelsea with just 161.
Hammersmith and Fulham was not far behind with 183 reports.
Getwestlondon has approached Hillingdon Council for comment on the the figures.
Tips on rat control from Hillingdon Council
Mice and rats are normally active at night and residents might not see them during the day.
The fur colour varies between light brown and grey. Body length varies between 60mm to 90mm and the tail can add an additional 100mm.
Often the droppings found are black, rod-shaped and 3mm to 6mm long.
The most common signs of rats are:
- Droppings.
- Gnawing.
- Tracks.
- Burrows.
- Nests.
Diseases from rodents can be passed on to humans by contaminating food or surfaces with urine, droppings and hairs.
Rats, in particular, can pass on leptospirosis, a disease that can lead to Weil's disease and can be fatal to humans.
Rats can also cause structural damage to property. They can gnaw a range of materials, including electric cables and wiring.
A landlord would only be considered responsible if defects to the property allow rodent access.
Residents need to check tenancy agreements or leases to see who is responsible for keeping common areas clean, as it may be the tenant's responsibility to remove the material which is attracting them and then arrange a visit from a pest control expert.
Anyone can report a rat problem to Hillingdon Council by calling 01895 556000.
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