A woman has been enduring sleepless nights for nearly eight months due to the sound of rodents scuttling in her bedroom walls.

Claire Johnson, 31, has been living in her flat in Bermondsey, London, for two years after moving from Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Claire has heard what she assumes to be mice running through her walls since January 2024. 

But the noise has been significantly louder and more frequent since May - leading Claire to believe it may be rats.

The rodents seem to be particularly active between the hours of two and five in the morning, keeping Claire up at night.

Claire, a nutritionist, said: "It's been really difficult to deal with.

"I can hear them running across the beams of the ceiling at night and sometimes they will bump into each other in the walls and start fighting.

"I thought they were mice initially but hearing how heavy and loud they sound, I think it might actually be rats.

"I will regularly sleep on my pull-out sofa bed in the living room for a bit of peace as the noise is at its worst in the bedroom.

"I sometimes even worry someone is picking the lock on my front door before I realise it's actually coming from the walls.

"I just really want to ensure they don't find a way inside the flat, but also get them out of the walls."

Claire lives very close to the River Thames.Claire lives very close to the River Thames. (Image: SWNS)

Claire lives very close to the River Thames which can raise the chances of a property getting rodents.

Claire's landlord called in pest control five weeks ago when baited traps were laid and any open holes blocked.

But the noise has only gotten worse since.

Claire said: "My landlord has been really on it with this issue. 

"He is prepared to pay whatever it costs, he is super apologetic and has reduced our rent."

In the five weeks since pest control first visited, the noises have only become louder and more frequent, so Claire and her landlord are seeking alternative solutions.

Claire has taken to making extra visits to Hamburg, Germany, to visit her boyfriend or even popping up to Huddersfield just for a few nights of rest.

Claire said: "I'm making up reasons to go to Hamburg so I get a break from the noise.

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"I have also visited my parents up north for a week or so just so I can ensure I get some good sleep in.

"I really like living in London and I moved here to further my career as a nutritionist.

"But I don't know if I can deal with living in this flat much longer if this continues."