The Biggest Rat in the UK Caught in Bournemouth
Picture of Max the Manchester Terrier from TP Pest Control Services of Dorset with the giant 21-inch rat
The biggest Rat ever caught in the UK was a massive 21-inches long!
Max the Manchester Terrier has made headlines again – this time catching the UK’s largest rat ever recorded – an incredible 21 inched long.
The daring capture of the massive rat, made by Max and his handler Terry Walker from TP Pest Control Services in Bournemouth, has put the UK’s growing rat problem in the spotlight once again.
Max Breaks His Own Record – The Largest Rat in the UK
“Max from TP Pest Services of Bournemouth has only gone and done it again!”
Terry Walker, the owner of Bournemouth based pest control company TP Pest Control, expressed his amazement:
“I simply cannot believe it. This is by far the biggest rat I have ever seen in over 20 years of working as a pest control professional. I can’t take all the credit, however, as it was Max the terrier who played the vital part in catching the UK’s largest Rat, I have never seen anything quite like it!”
Back in January 2017, Max the Manchester Terrier, made headlines across the UK after catching what was believed to be Britain’s Biggest Rat, measuring an impressive 19 inches.
Since then, Max has outdone himself once again! He has now caught a 21-inch rat, smashed his previous record and made history as the new holder of Britain’s Biggest Rat title.
Check out the picture below to see Max with this incredible 21-inch monster rat, a true testament to his exceptional rat-catching skills.

Picture shows the largest rat ever caught in the UK
The Rat Capture: Behind the Shops in Bournemouth
TP Pest Services are specialist Rat Catchers servicing the areas of Poole, Bournemouth, Ringwood, Ferndown and beyond. On this particular Friday TP Pest Services had been called out behind some local shops in Bournemouth to deal with the growing rat infestation in the area.
It was near the bins behind the shops where Terry Walker, a professional pest controller with over 20 years’ experience and the owner of TP Pest Control Services, trapped the monster rat behind the shops in an alley before sending in his trusted partner “Max the Manchester Terrier” who quickly took control of the situation.
The image of Max, the star rat catcher, standing proudly next to the 21-inch giant rat has since gone viral, making headlines across national newspapers and radio stations.

A Picture of Max from TP Pest Services after catching the 21-Inch Monster Rat in Bournemouth in November 2018
The Biggest Rat Invasion Yet!
According to Terry Walker, huge rodents like the 21-inch rat are becoming a more “Rats invade thousands of homes throughout the UK daily and the problem is not going to go away anytime soon”, Terry Walker from TP Pest Control Services said. “This 21-inch rat is the proof that not only are there more rats in the UK than ever before, they are getting bigger by the year!”
Terry continued to say that:
“It is believed that there are around 2000+ rats per square kilometre of sewer in the UK, so we are never more than 6-10 metres away from a rat no matter where we are in the country. Dealing with rats is becoming ever more of a challenge as they are becoming ever more resistant to poisons, you should always use a professional rat catcher or pest control expert to help remove rats before they spread disease or attract more rats.
It is vital that we manage and dispose of waste correctly and make sure we keep communal areas clean and tidy at all times, to avoid attracting rats and other unwanted vermin into our gardens and homes. If you require information on how to best deal with rats, you should contact your local pest control expert for helpful advice and information.”

Picture of Terry Walker from TP Pest Control Services holding a rat that was caught by Max the Terrier.
The Importance of Rat Control and Prevention
Rats pose a significant public health risk as they carry diseases and cause considerable damage to property. To avoid attracting rats, it’s essential to manage waste properly and ensure cleanliness in both public and private spaces. This helps reduce the likelihood of a rat infestation and minimises the chances of rats entering your home.
Read more about our rat control services here.
Max’s Fame Spreads Nationally
News of the capture of Britain’s largest rat, measuring an impressive 21 inches, quickly spread across the UK. Just like in 2017, the story has gone viral once again, featured in numerous newspapers, online blogs, and news websites. It even made its way to BBC Radio 2, where it was discussed on the Jeremy Vine Show.
The incredible news that TP Pest Control Services in Bournemouth had caught the UK’s largest rat—a massive 21-inch monster—was aired live on BBC Radio 2 on 20th November 2018.
What to Do if You Spot a Rat
Have you seen a rat in your home or garden?
If you spot a rat in your garden or home, it’s essential to act quickly. The first step is to call in the pest control experts. At TP Pest Control, we offer a range of bespoke rat control techniques, tailored to your specific needs. Our expert team uses advanced methods, including professional-grade toxins that aren’t available to the public, alongside proven rat baiting and trapping strategies. Plus, we have Max, our highly skilled rat-catching dog, who currently holds the UK record for catching the largest rat!
Expert Rat Control Services in Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and Beyond
Based in Dorset, TP Pest Services covers a wide area, including Dorset, Hampshire, Wiltshire, and surrounding regions. Whether you’re dealing with a small pest issue at home or need comprehensive pest control services for a business or commercial property, we’ve got you covered. We offer expert solutions for both urban and rural environments.
Call the Experts: Max and Terry from TP Pest Control
When it comes to rat infestations, trust TP Pest Services, home to Dorset’s most famous rat-catching duo: Terry and Max. Don’t wait—call us today for professional rat control services you can rely on!
How Big Can Rats Get in the UK? Could Max Catch the World’s Biggest Rat Next?
With the capture of this 21-inch monster rat, the question arises: How big can rats get in the UK? Max’s recent achievement has raised eyebrows across the country, proving that rats can grow to extraordinary sizes. While the average rat in the UK is much smaller, this recent catch proves that huge rats are not only becoming more common but also larger than ever before.
In fact, experts believe that rats, if left unchecked, could grow even larger in the future. Max may very well break his own record once again and catch the world’s largest rat, a title that is currently held by an Australian rodent measuring around 32 inches long. Could Max catch the longest rat in the world next? Only time will tell, but with his impressive track record, we wouldn’t put it past him!
Whether you’re dealing with a big rat infestation in your home or business, rat removal and rat extermination should always be left to the professionals. If you’re wondering how to deal with a massive rat problem, be sure to contact TP Pest Control Services for a comprehensive rat control solution.
Media Coverage of the UK’s Biggest Rat Story
The story of the 21-inch rat has been widely covered across local and national media. Check out some of the headlines below:
• The Sun
• The Daily Express
• The Daily Mail
• The Mirror
• The Bournemouth Echo
To read about Max’s previous record-breaking rat catch, check out the Daily Star article from 2017.
Professional Pest Control Services at The Ready
The capture of the UK’s biggest rat, a 21-inch giant, underscores the increasing rat problem across the country. As rats grow in size and numbers, professional pest control has never been more crucial. Whether you’re dealing with a massive infestation or looking to prevent one, TP Pest Control Services, with the help of Max the Manchester Terrier, offers expert solutions. If you spot a rat, don’t delay – contact us today for reliable and effective pest control to protect your home or business.