AN EXMOUTH homeowner has spoken of her shock when she was entertaining people and suddenly noticed a rat sitting near the head of one of her guests. Loraine Glenister lives in one of a group of three properties near a driveway next to Staddons Garage on E

AN EXMOUTH homeowner has spoken of her shock when she was entertaining people and suddenly noticed a rat sitting near the head of one of her guests.

Loraine Glenister lives in one of a group of three properties near a driveway next to Staddons Garage on Exeter Road.

Recalling the moment she noticed the rodents last week, Loraine said: "We were sat in the garden, I looked up and noticed a rat near one of my guest's head.

"When you are outside at a weekend having a glass of bubbly trying to relax, it is the last thing you expect to see.

"It does not give a good impression when rats are roaming around near you."

Loraine contacted East Devon District Council soon afterwards to report the issue.

Pest control company Rentokil have since put traps down to catch the rodents.

Loraine said she had to pay �23 towards the costs to sort out the problem and the council were paying the remainder.

"I am now concerned about keeping my door slightly ajar and windows open.

"I was also worried when the Rentokil man came around and said there had been an increase in rats in the Exmouth area since Christmas."

Loraine believes the rodents have started to roam in the area because they were attracted by bird feed and compost heaps residents have in their gardens.

She added: "People should be made aware of the problem and if they see anything they should contact pest control."

A spokesperson for East Devon District Council said residents who experienced problems with rats should remember they will be deterred if you deprive them of their three main needs - shelter, water and food.

The spokesperson, however, added: "Comparative figures for 2008 and 2009 so far do not indicate any increase in the incidence of rat treatment requests across East Devon.

"In fact, in some months the trend has been downwards.