Rats

Rats are scavengers — they will eat almost anything and readily exploit entry points into buildings. They can squeeze through really small holes and often gain access via broken drains or sewer pipes. Because of this, infestations are commonly linked to drainage breaches, and a drain survey may sometimes be recommended to locate where rats are entering. •Once inside, rats can:

•Chew wood, insulation, cables and plastic pipes
•Contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings
•Carry and spread disease
•Leave unpleasant smells and signs of activity

The sooner a rat problem is treated properly, the easier it is to get under control.

Most rat jobs need a series of visits to fully control the infestation — including traps, professional bait, proofing where possible and advice tailored to your property.

Visit One — Inspection & Treatment

•We talk to you about what you’ve seen or heard
•A thorough inspection identifies evidence of activity and likely access points
•Professional traps and licensed rodenticide are placed in the right positions
•We advise on safety if you have children or pets
•If rats are suspected to be coming from piped systems or sewers, we may recommend a drain/camera survey so the source of entry can be confirmed and dealt with correctly

Visit Two — Follow-Up & Monitoring

•We check traps and bait stations
•Adjust treatments where needed
•Remove any dead rodents found
•Provide feedback on progress and any further proofing work to consider

Visit Three — Final Check & Advice

•We review the site once activity has reduced
•Clear away traps and any rodenticide (for health and safety reasons it is not permissible to leave any rodenticide on site once treatment has ceased)
•Leave you with advice on preventing future problems

Most infestations are controlled within these 3 visits, but sometimes extra visits are necessary depending on the size and complexity of the problem.

Rats are intelligent and cautious. Because of this:

•They may avoid traps at first
•They wander, feed at night and use hidden routes
•Simply putting out DIY treatment often fails

Professional control involves placing baits and traps where rats are most active and monitoring them across visits to ensure the whole infestation — not just individual rats — is eliminated.

To make the visit as effective as possible, please:

Do not clear around areas where you’ve seen rats (they will be suspicious and withdraw for a time but then return)

• Note where you’ve heard noises or seen droppings
• Ensure pets and children are safely out of the way during treatment
• Let us know if you have recent drain or sewer issues

Don’t worry if you’re not sure — we’ll assess the situation and explain everything clearly when we arrive.

Once treatment has started:

• You may see less activity gradually as rats take the bait and traps do their work
• Do not interfere with bait stations or traps between visits
• Ensure food and rubbish is stored securely and clean up any spilled pet food
• Deal with proofing recommendations as soon as possible after treatment is complete — sealing gaps and entry points makes a huge difference

Even after rats have been controlled, signs like noises or occasional activity may be seen until all individuals have visited bait stations — this is a normal part of the process.

If activity persists beyond the expected 3 visits, just let us know — we’re happy to reassess and adjust the treatment.

You might have a rat problem if you notice:

• Scratching, scurrying or gnawing noises in walls, ceilings or under floors (often at night)
• Droppings which are dark brown, blunt at both ends, 15 to 20 millimetres long
• Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, pipes or food packaging
• Greasy smear marks along walls or skirting boards where rats travel
• Holes in the ground near walls, sheds, fences or drains
• A strong, unpleasant urine or musky smell in enclosed areas
Sometimes the first sign is a pet showing unusual interest in a particular area, or hearing movement when the house is quiet.

If you’re unsure, don’t worry — we’re happy to take a look and confirm what’s going on.