Rats Filmed Swinging from Morrisons Trolley in Glasgow Spark Hygiene Investigation
Disturbing footage has emerged showing rats scurrying and swinging from a Morrisons supermarket trolley in Glasgow, leaving a customer feeling "sick" and prompting an urgent investigation by the retail chain. The incident occurred outside the Morrisons Daily store on Househillwood Road in Nitshill, Glasgow, on February 24, 2026, with the video capturing a large rodent climbing to the top of a metal cage and swinging from the bars.
Customer Reaction and Social Media Outcry
The sight has deeply unsettled local shoppers, with one customer stating it is now a reason for him "not to shop" anymore at that particular store. He expressed concern over hygiene standards, noting, "To think we eat and drink stuff that rats could have run over. It is well below standards." Many people have taken to social media to complain, with one person commenting, "They're everywhere sadly," highlighting broader public anxiety about pest infestations in urban areas.
Morrisons' Immediate Response and Investigation
Morrisons has launched a thorough investigation after becoming aware of the incident earlier this week. A spokesperson for the supermarket chain emphasised their commitment to food safety, stating, "We treat food safety and hygiene very seriously. As soon as we became aware of an isolated issue outside Morrisons Daily Nitshill on Wednesday we took immediate action. We are urgently investigating this and are taking appropriate measures to manage the situation." The trolley was located on a pavement outside the supermarket, where boxes and litter were also present on the floor, potentially contributing to the problem.
Broader Rodent Issues in Glasgow and the UK
This incident is not isolated, as Glasgow continues to face significant rodent problems. According to a Freedom of Information Request (FOI), in 2025, there were 12,155 reports of rats both inside homes and on streets, up from 10,341 in 2024, marking nearly the seventh consecutive year of increasing rat populations. Pest controllers attribute this surge to factors like food waste and changes in waste collection schedules.
Expert Insights on Rising Rat Populations
Mick Muldoon of Pestforce, a pest controller operating in north London, explained that rats are becoming more prevalent on UK streets due to increased food waste. He noted that bin collections have shifted from once a week to once a fortnight in many areas, leading to local residents essentially "fly tipping" and creating abundant food sources that attract rodents. Muldoon described seeing up to 40 rats in a single bin in broad daylight, warning that birds of prey circling gardens can be a sign of rats below. He added, "We are in a perpetual cycle - the conditions are just so. Rats in particular are a very clever and adaptable animal. There are a lot of construction works that disturb rat nests - we are disrupting them and providing them with more food and harbourage."
The footage from Glasgow has reignited concerns about public health and urban hygiene, with Morrisons' swift action underscoring the seriousness of the issue. As investigations continue, residents and shoppers remain vigilant, hoping for improved pest control measures to address the growing rodent menace in cities across the UK.
