Rat Control
& Removal

Rats are one of the most destructive and dangerous pests in the UK. The two species most commonly encountered are the brown rat — also known as the Norway rat or common rat — and the black rat, or ship rat. Brown rats are larger, more robust, and prefer ground-level burrows, sewers, and basement areas. Black rats are smaller, more agile climbers, and are often found in roof spaces and high structures. Both species cause extensive damage by gnawing through wood, electrical cables, plastic pipes, and insulation, creating fire hazards, water leaks, and costly repair bills.

Health Risks Associated with Rats

Rats pose serious public health risks that go far beyond simple nuisance. Their urine, droppings, and saliva contaminate food preparation surfaces, stored goods, and water supplies with dangerous pathogens. Diseases directly transmitted by rats include:

• Leptospirosis (Weil's disease) — a potentially fatal bacterial infection spread through rat urine in water and damp environments.
• Salmonella — causes severe food poisoning and gastrointestinal illness.
• Hantavirus — transmitted through inhalation of dust contaminated with rat droppings and urine.
• Rat-bite fever — caused by bacteria in rat mouths, transmitted through bites or scratches.
• Toxoplasmosis and listeriosis — additional bacterial threats carried by rodents.

Rats also introduce fleas, ticks, and mites into properties, which can bite humans and pets and spread secondary diseases. For food businesses, the presence of rats can result in immediate closure orders, fines, and prosecution under food safety legislation.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Rats are nocturnal and prefer to stay hidden, so early detection requires knowing what to look for:

• Droppings — dark, cylindrical, and up to 20mm long. Fresh droppings are dark and moist; old ones are grey and crumbly.
• Gnaw marks — rats gnaw constantly to keep their incisors trimmed. Look for chewed wood, plastic, cables, and even metal pipes.
• Scratching noises — most active at night, particularly in lofts, wall cavities, and beneath floorboards.
• Grease marks — dark smears along walls, skirting boards, and pipes where rats brush against surfaces with their oily fur.
• Footprints and tail marks — visible in dusty areas such as lofts, cellars, and unused storage spaces.
• Burrows — holes in compost heaps, under sheds, along garden boundaries, and near drainage systems.

Our Rat Control Methods

We provide professional, legal, and effective rat control tailored to the species, infestation size, and property type. Our approach is strategic, not random:

• Thorough property survey — identifying runways, nesting sites, burrows, entry points, feeding areas, and environmental attractants.
• Professional baiting programmes — tamper-resistant bait stations containing rodenticide positioned along runways and in secure locations where rats travel. We use a variety of active ingredients to avoid bait shyness.
• Snap traps and multi-catch traps — positioned in high-activity areas for rapid knockdown, particularly useful where poison use is restricted.
• Drain surveys and sewer treatment — many rat infestations originate from damaged drains. We can arrange CCTV drain surveys and non-return valve installation.
• Follow-up monitoring — return visits to check bait take, remove deceased rats, and adjust the control plan until the infestation is fully eliminated.

Rat Proofing and Prevention

Eliminating rats is only part of the solution. Without proofing, neighbouring rats will quickly replace those removed. Our pest proofing service includes sealing gaps around pipes and cables, repairing damaged vents and soffits, installing drain guards and non-return valves, and advising on waste management, compost positioning, and garden maintenance to reduce attractants.

For commercial properties and landlords, we offer ongoing monitoring contracts and compliance documentation to satisfy insurance and regulatory requirements. If you have heard scratching in the loft, found droppings in the kitchen, or seen rats in the garden, call us now on 07523084275 for fast, professional rat control.