PORTSMOUTH — Rats continue to occupy the city police station, including the recent catch of what is being described as a record-breaker in terms of size.

PORTSMOUTH — Rats continue to occupy the city police station, including the recent catch of what is being described as a record-breaker in terms of size.



During a meeting of the Police Commission Wednesday night, police business manager Karen Senecal said a super-sized rat was caught in a baiting station and was so large, it covered the width of a Walmart bag.



“It was bigger than any I've ever seen,” she said.



“It was very well-fed,” confirmed Police Chief Stephen DuBois.



Police officials said the hefty rat was caught March 7 in police headquarters. Senecal reported to the Police Commission that third-floor police employees are also hearing rats “running” across the ceiling.



The first report of rats in the police station, which is joined to the City Hall building, came 19 months ago. Since then, the city has retained more than one exterminating contractor.



Last year, an officer reported finding a rat “the size of a possum” under a copy machine.



Public Works Director Peter Rice said Thursday that the current exterminator reported inactivity in traps in the police station for the past several months. He said that the exterminator would be notified about the recent rat sightings.



The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention cite multiple diseases, some fatal, directly associated with rodents. The diseases can spread by direct contact with rodents and their waste, as well as by breathing dust contaminated with rodent waste. Experts say rats are a common nuisance in urban environments.