In the Chinese zodiac, 2008 is the Year of the Rat, so it seems the invasion of rodents in Kent may be written in the stars.

In the latest reported incident, a rabble of rats have descended on gardens in a new housing development in the picturesque village of Wye, near Ashford.

A family of creatures with tails rather than wings have been photographed on a birdfeeder in the Havillands development and people living are, understandably, not welcoming their new neighbours.

People from three houses on Somerset Road, part of Ashford's ring road, have also been in contact to say rats, both dead and alive, have been spotted in gardens. Bin bags of rubbish left in the street along with takeaway wrappers may be to blame.

Only last month we reported the rat infestation at Mote Park, Maidstone, where Madonna performed as part of Kent's Big Weekend.

Experts say the problem is not unique to Kent and the number of rats is increasing nationwide.

Milder winters and the fact that females give birth to about 50 babies a year, means there are about 70 million living in Britain - that is roughly one rat for every person.

Do you have pictures or know of places with a rat problem in Kent? Let us know at editor.kentonline@thekmgroup.co.uk.

~ Advice on what to do if you have rats >>>