Brace yourself for the invasion of the giant rats

With forecasters warning of the harshest winter the U.K. has seen in 50 years, it’s time to pile on the jumpers, crank up the heating and avoid going outside as much as possible.

Related story These Preemie Twins Were Given a Zero Percent Chance of Survival — Now, Against All Odds, They're Strong Enough to Go Home

More: Dog and rat become best buddies, and the photos are adorable

As well as protecting you and yours from the elements, you may also have to be prepared to ward off some particularly unwanted visitors this festive season.

Experts have warned that certain creatures may be seeking shelter in our homes, and these are no ordinary rodents. Along with mice and squirrels, 10-inch rats could be doing their best to infiltrate our walls.

“With forecasters predicting the harshest winter the U.K. has seen in half a century, pest controllers are now advising people to make sure their homes are fully protected against invading rodents,” said Paul Bates, Cleankill Environmental Services boss. “At a time when we feel like bolting our doors and keeping winter cold outside, it is hardly surprising that mice, rats and squirrels are trying to join us in our sanctuaries of warmth.”

More: NYC rat tries to steal an entire slice of pizza (VIDEO)

And if any of us have any doubt about what type of house guests 10-inch rats would be, Bates has this further warning: “They will not only scratch, gnaw and rip items apart to make nesting materials, but they will also chew beams and joists, causing structural damage, and through electrical cables, which can cause fires.”

To stop giant rats from destroying your house this winter, bear the following tips in mind:

• Keep all foodstuffs in sealed metal or glass containers.

• Get rid of all clutter, both inside the house and around the garden — less places for rats to hide!

• Keep rats out of outdoor rubbish bags by placing them in metal bins with securely fitted lids.

• Clean up pet food and birdseed debris, and store pet food in robust containers with fitted lids, preferably above ground level.

• Keep gardens free of debris.

• Keep organic food waste out of your compost heap, as this is a major attraction to rats.

Other useful tips include cleaning out stair cupboards and kitchen units, inspecting pipework for holes, attaching brush strips to doors and giving the loft a once-over for any signs of rats.

Ladbrokes has cut their odds from 4/1 to 7/2 on Britain experiencing its coldest winter for a century after sleet, snow and ice swept across the country.

More: Imogen the koala gives the world a complete cuteness overload (VIDEO)