Northland residents are gaining some unwanted visitors following last month's heavy rainfall.

Pest Control companies are receiving increased call outs due to rats invading properties to escape the wet weather.

Manager of Enviropro Pest Management, Phil Tunstall says bad weather has left the rats with nowhere else to go.

"With what was nearly half a metre of rain all the drains and creeks filled up which is where they normally live."

Mr Tunstall says the rats have already caused significant damage to several homes he's visited.