How can I tell if I have rats rather than mice?

Rat droppings are larger (10–20mm) and capsule-shaped, gnaw marks are deeper, and you may see grease smears along walls and skirting where rats run. Scratching is usually heavier and more often heard at night or in cavities, drains and outbuildings.

How quickly can you start treatment?

We typically attend within 24–48 hours across Hertfordshire, and prioritise visits where rats are seen indoors, in food areas, or affecting vulnerable customers.

Are rat treatments safe for children and pets?

Yes. Baits are always placed inside secure, tamper-resistant bait stations or in concealed voids, and we follow strict best-practice and stewardship guidelines for rodenticide use.

How many visits will I need?

Most rat jobs take 2–3 visits — an initial survey and treatment, a follow-up to monitor activity and replenish bait, and a proofing visit to seal entry points so rats cannot return.

Do you find and seal where rats are getting in?

Yes. Proofing is essential for lasting control. We identify entry points around drains, air bricks, pipework, rooflines and door thresholds, and seal them with rat-proof materials.

Why are rats a health risk?

Rats can spread diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weil's disease), Salmonella and Hantavirus through urine, droppings and contaminated surfaces. They also gnaw cables and pipes, creating fire and flood risks.

Emergency response

Rat control across Hertfordshire

Fast, effective treatment for brown and black rats — with proofing and long-term prevention to keep them out of your home or business.

01727 601 007 Request a quote

Same-day appointments where available
Brown rat and black rat treatment for homes and businesses
Burrow, loft and cavity inspections
Entry-point proofing to stop them returning
Discreet, fully insured technicians

Our rat control process

Inspection

We identify activity hotspots, burrows and entry points around your property.

Treatment

Targeted rat control using the most appropriate methods, monitored over follow-up visits.

Proofing

We seal access points and advise on prevention so rats don't return.

The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) is the most common rat species in Hertfordshire — adaptable, prolific and a serious risk to health and property when it enters a home or business.

Habits & behaviour

Nocturnal and cautious — they follow the same routes along walls and pipes
Excellent climbers and swimmers; can enter through sewers, drains and gaps under doors
Need to gnaw constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing
Live in burrows, wall cavities, loft spaces and under decking or sheds
Produce 5–10 litters per year, with up to 12 young per litter

Damage & risks

Gnaw through wood, plastic, brickwork and even soft metal to gain entry
Chew electrical wiring, creating serious fire risks in lofts and cavities
Contaminate food stores, surfaces and utensils with urine and droppings
Spread Weil's disease, salmonella and other harmful pathogens
Undermine foundations, paths and decking with extensive burrow systems

Rodent Proofing Checklist

Effective proofing is the most important long-term solution for preventing rodent infestations. We seal, mesh and secure every access point using professional-grade materials.

External Proofing

☐Seal gaps around pipes entering the property
☐Fit wire mesh to air bricks and vents
☐Repair damaged brickwork
☐Seal holes in external walls
☐Fit bristle strips to garage doors
☐Install door sweeps on external doors
☐Repair damaged soffits and fascias
☐Cover drain openings where appropriate
☐Install rodent guards on drainage systems
☐Repair broken air vents
☐Seal gaps around utility cables
☐Trim vegetation touching buildings
☐Remove ivy growing up walls
☐Cut back overhanging tree branches
☐Store firewood away from buildings

Internal Proofing

☐Seal gaps under kitchen units
☐Proof around boiler pipework
☐Seal holes behind appliances
☐Proof around electrical cable entries
☐Install mesh behind kickboards
☐Seal loft access points
☐Proof service risers and ducting
☐Seal gaps around internal pipe runs
☐Repair damaged floorboards
☐Seal wall void access points

Loft & Roof Areas

☐Inspect loft insulation for rodent activity
☐Seal eaves entry points
☐Proof around roof vents
☐Repair broken roof tiles
☐Install mesh to loft ventilation points
☐Check chimney voids
☐Seal gaps around solar panel cable entries

Garden & Outbuildings

☐Proof sheds and summerhouses
☐Seal gaps under shed bases
☐Fit metal mesh to outbuilding vents
☐Secure compost bins
☐Store animal feed in sealed containers
☐Remove clutter and harbourage
☐Elevate stored materials off the ground
☐Proof decking voids where required

Hygiene & Prevention

☐Remove accessible food sources
☐Store food in sealed containers
☐Clean spillages promptly
☐Secure refuse bins
☐Remove bird food at night
☐Manage fallen fruit from trees
☐Regularly inspect for new proofing defects

Common Proofing Materials

Stainless steel wire wool
Rodent-proof expanding foam
Galvanised steel mesh
Welded wire mesh
Aluminium kick plates
Door brush strips
Stainless steel vent covers
Concrete mortar
Sheet metal flashing

Proofing Note

A hole as small as 6 mm can allow a mouse entry, while a rat can squeeze through openings of approximately 15–20 mm. Effective proofing is often the most important long-term solution for preventing rodent infestations.

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