Shocking footage obtained by the Glasgow Times shows dozens of rats pouring from beneath overflowing communal bins on Great Western Road near Anniesland as refuse workers attempt to empty them.
At least 30 rodents can be seen darting across the back court before disappearing into nests hidden beneath piles of rubbish and overgrown areas.
Residents say the clip is evidence of an infestation that has spiralled out of control.
Locals claim the problem has steadily worsened in recent months, fuelled by overflowing bins, dumped food waste and neglected communal areas that are now providing ideal breeding conditions for vermin.
Rats in back courts at overflowing bins (Image: supplied)
One resident, who has lived in the area for nearly two decades, described the scene as ‘horrifying’.
He said: “You dread going out to the bins now because there are so many rats running around, day and night. You are literally running the gauntlet to put your rubbish out.
“I’ve lived here for almost 20 years and I’ve never seen a problem like the one we have right now. It’s horrific, people are dropping rubbish everywhere and the rats are thriving on it.
Rats were captured jumping out of bins as workers emptied them (Image: supplied)
“Even when pest control step in, the problem just comes back because some people aren’t taking care of the place.
“The west end is still well sought after, but I’m at the stage now where I’d happily move somewhere else.”
Union officials say this infestation reflects a wider crisis across the city.
Chris Mitchell, cleansing convenor for GMB, warned that workers are increasingly being faced with hazardous condition as they try and empty bins.
Chris Mitchell, convener GMB Union (Image: Colin Mearns)
He said: “The situation in Great Western Road is a particularly bad instance of a problem that continues to worsen right across Glasgow.
“I’ve been saying for years that we have a widespread rat epidemic. In this instance at least 30 of them were filmed jumping out of household bins and scuttling back to their nests.”
Mr Mitchell says there is a public health concern to be addressed.
He added: “People need to understand the risks, not only for residents but for cleansing workers facing this every day. A bite from a rat can be extremely serious.”
Experts say back courts in dense urban neighbourhoods can quickly become ideal habitats for vermin because they offer warmth, shelter, stable food sources and little disturbance.
The latest infestation has raised growing concerns among residents about hygiene, disease risks and the condition of communal areas in what is still considered a sought-after address.
Rats in back courts (Image: supplied)
One woman said: “Great Western Road has always been considered a nice place to live, but not when armies of rats are running about your back garden. The problem needs to be tackled.”
Glasgow City Council confirmed pest control teams have been deployed to several affected back courts – but says residents and property factors must also take greater responsibility.
A local authority spokesperson said: “We are aware of issues with rodents in this area and a number of back courts are currently under pest control treatment.
“Unfortunately, many of the affected courts are not being properly maintained.”
Residents are being urged to securely close bins, avoid dumping food waste and help clear neglected back courts before the infestation worsens further.
The council spokesperson added: “Fallen rubbish is not being cleared away from bin areas, providing a food source for rodents, while overgrown spaces create harbourage for rats to nest.
“To ensure pest control treatments are effective, residents, owners and factors must keep bin courts clean and tidy and take steps to pest-proof their properties.”
