Rat control, diagnosed properly before anything is treated
from£109
Rats are one of the most commonly reported pests in UK homes and businesses, and also one of the most misunderstood. This page covers what to look for, why it's worth taking seriously, what a professional visit involves, and how to stop it happening again.
Inspection first1–3 month guaranteeTreatment report
15–20mmGap a rat can pass through — about a thumb's width
5 weeksAge at which rats reach maturity and begin breeding
6–12Pups per litter, with several litters a year
AutumnWhen indoor activity is most commonly first noticed
Overview
Possible signs of a rat problem
DroppingsDark, roughly rice-grain-sized, often clustered near food sources, along skirting boards, or inside cupboards.
Gnaw marksOn skirting, door frames, stored food packaging, and — significantly — electrical cabling, since teeth grow continuously.
Scratching soundsMost commonly heard at night, in wall cavities, under floors, or in lofts, traveling along repeat routes.
Grease marksDark, greasy marks along skirting boards or beams left by fur brushing against the same surface repeatedly.
Burrows outdoorsSmooth-sided holes roughly 6–9cm across near decking, compost heaps, garden sheds, or fence bases.
An unusual smellA persistent, slightly musky or ammonia-like odour in an enclosed space — lofts or under-stairs cupboards.
Why it matters
What to take seriously, and why.
- HealthRats carry pathogens transmissible to humans including Weil's disease (leptospirosis), salmonella, and hantavirus through contact with urine or surfaces.
- Property damageConstant gnawing damages wiring, pipework, insulation, and timber. Damaged electrical cabling is a documented contributing factor in property fires.
- Rate of increaseBecause rats breed quickly and mature within weeks, a small, easily resolved issue can become a substantially larger infestation within months if left unaddressed.
- Gaps and access pointsRats can fit through gaps as small as 15–20mm (roughly a thumb's width), so unsealed pipework entries, damaged airbricks, and door gaps are realistic routes.
- Accessible foodOpen bins, pet food left out overnight, bird feeders with heavy spillage, compost heaps with food waste, and uncollected fallen fruit.
- Shelter and warmthCluttered sheds, dense ivy, cavity walls, and insulated lofts all provide undisturbed shelter, especially as temperatures fall.
- Nearby infrastructureProximity to drains, sewers, or waterways can bring rats into a wider neighborhood regardless of individual property upkeep.
Price
One fixed price, confirmed before you book.
Fixed from£109
Book an inspectionWhat changes the price
- Property typeTerraced homes sharing party walls raise different considerations than detached units since activity can move across buildings.
- Extent of activityAn isolated sighting is a different job than signs across multiple rooms or an established nest.
- AccessLoft hatches, external void access, and whether areas are communal or private all affect treatment.
- ConstructionOlder buildings with suspended timber floors often have more rat routes than modern solid floors.
- Time of yearAutumn and winter see higher indoor activity as rodents seek shelter from cold weather.
How it works
What happens, step by step.
- AssessmentA walk-through of the affected areas to confirm activity, identify likely entry points, and understand the extent of the problem — inside or outside.
- Treatment planningThe approach is matched to what's actually found, rather than applied as a single default method regardless of circumstances.
- ImplementationTreatment is carried out, with any access, safety, or timing considerations (pets, children, food storage) accounted for beforehand.
- Follow-up & GuaranteeA further visit confirms whether activity has genuinely stopped, with written documentation and proofing guidance provided.
| Doing it yourself | Bestone | |
|---|---|---|
| Identifying entry points | Not typically included | Assessed and reported on |
| Scaling to established populations | Often limited | Approach adjusted to extent found |
| Access to lofts, voids, drains | Frequently impractical | Part of a full assessment |
| Confirmation of resolution | Self-assessed | Follow-up visit included |
| Prevention advice | Not usually included | Proofing recommendations provided |
Prevention
Keep them out, after we leave.
- Sealing access pointsWire mesh over airbricks, sealing pipe entries, repairing mortar, and fitting door sweeps.
- Managing food sourcesSealed containers for pet food, secure bin lids, clearing fallen fruit, and managing bird feeders.
- Reducing shelterKeeping garden vegetation and log piles away from base walls and inspecting lofts periodically.
- Ongoing vigilanceCheck dark corners, boiler cupboards, and lofts periodically for early signs of droppings.
Our guarantee
1–3Month written guaranteeEvery treatment plan comes with a written guarantee. If activity returns within it, we come back.
Questions
Can't see yours? Ask us on WhatsApp, Mon–Sat, 8am–8pm.
How quickly can a rat problem get out of control?
Rats reach sexual maturity at around five weeks old, and a single female can produce several litters a year, each with six to twelve pups. In practical terms, a couple of rats spotted in a garden in spring can become an established indoor population by autumn if entry points and food access aren't addressed.
Do I need to leave the property during treatment?
This depends on the treatment method used for your specific situation. Some interventions — proofing work, trap placement, bait station positioning — don't require anyone to leave. Where a different approach is more appropriate, that will be explained clearly before anything is agreed.
Will rat control harm my pets?
Any method used around a property with pets is chosen and positioned with that in mind, using tamper-resistant bait boxes placed in inaccessible locations.
How can I tell the difference between rats and mice?
Size is the most obvious indicator — adult rats are considerably larger than mice, with adult rat droppings roughly the size of a grain of rice compared to a mouse's, which are closer to a grain of black pepper.
Can rats really cause structural damage?
Yes. A rat's incisors grow continuously, so gnawing is a physical necessity. Skirting boards, timber joists, plastic piping, and electrical cabling are all common targets, creating documented fire risks.
Is it normal to still see one rat after treatment has started?
In the days immediately following treatment, seeing continued activity doesn't mean the approach isn't working — it can take time for a population to be fully addressed. This is exactly what our follow-up visit confirms.
Why is your price lower than other companies?
Because there is less between you and the team doing the work. You book us directly, so there is no agency taking a cut, no outsourced call centre, and no franchise fee going upstream every month. We also cluster jobs by area, so our teams spend less of the day travelling. The work, the equipment and the insurance are the same — the overhead is not.
Related
Often booked together
Pest proofingBlocks the entry points found at inspectionMice controlSimilar signs, different species and habits
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