Rural economy experts are warning of an "explosion" in the rat population, which could have a serious effect on the countryside.

The Country Land & Business Association (CLA) said that landowners around Yorkshire are reporting increased sightings of the rodents.

This year's torrential flooding forced an unprecedented number of rats above ground and a succession of mild winters has extended the rats' breeding cycle, according to the CLA.

Dorothy Fairburn, CLA regional director for Yorkshire, said: "We are all aware of the health risks associated with rats but in farming terms, not only do they cause damage to buildings and food stores but they also affect the wildlife population.

"As a readily available source of food, ground nesting birds are particularly at risk, which means that an increasing rat population will, in all likelihood, have a devastating effect on nesting birds in the spring."

She also questioned government plans to introduce "pay as you throw" charges for removing household rubbish.

"At a time when the rat population is on the increase, it seems ludicrous the government hasn't completely abandoned new legislation that might encourage people to illegally fly tip waste or leave more rubbish on the streets," she said.

In July, pest control firm Rentokil Initial experienced its busiest month for a decade after the extreme wet weather forced rats above ground.

Ryedale District Council said it too had seen a rise in the number of calls relating to rat infestations.

Environmental health manager Steven Richmond said: "There is certainly an upward trend in the local rat population. Our pest control officers have received an awful lot of calls this year."

A survey carried out by the National Pest Technician Association last year revealed that the brown rat population had increased nationally year on year by 39% since 1999.