Rats

PreventaPest rat pest control for homes and businesses

Rats are adaptable rodents that use food, water, shelter and access routes around buildings. They can enter through gaps, damaged drains, open doors, roof spaces and ground-level defects. The earlier the signs are investigated, the easier it is to find the source and limit the damage.

Signs of rat activity

• Droppings, particularly along walls, behind appliances or near food.
• Gnawing on packaging, timber, plastic or cables.
• Greasy marks or runways along walls and fixed edges.
• Burrows in soil, compost, vegetation or beneath structures.
• Scratching, squeaking or movement in voids, drains or roof spaces.

A single sighting should not be ignored. Rats are most active after dark, so daytime activity can indicate that the animals are being disturbed or that the population is larger than expected.

Remove the reasons they stay

Keep bin lids closed, clean food waste promptly and do not leave loose food outside. Store animal feed securely, keep compost managed and remove unnecessary piles of timber, rubbish and vegetation close to buildings. Check the condition of drains, air bricks, doors and pipe penetrations, then repair defects that could provide access.

Safe rat control

Rat control is not simply a matter of placing poison. The technician needs to inspect the site, identify the source of food and shelter, assess the access routes and select a method that is safe for people, pets and non-target wildlife. Rodenticide must always be used exactly as its label requires, and it should not be left where children or animals can reach it.

Professional control normally combines monitoring, appropriate treatment, proofing and practical prevention. The work should continue until signs have stopped and the conditions that attracted the rats have been addressed.

Businesses and landlords

Keep a clear record of sightings, inspections, repairs and follow-up visits. Food businesses and managed properties should also follow their own pest-management and hygiene procedures.

Rat control across South and Mid Wales

Rats are the single most common call we take, in terraced streets, farm buildings, commercial kitchens and everywhere between. We cover Swansea, Carmarthen, Ammanford and the rest of South and Mid Wales, usually reaching urgent jobs within 24 hours.

Concerned about rats?

Contact us as soon as you notice signs. We can assess the property and explain the safest route to control and prevention.

Related PreventaPest service: Learn more about our pest control services across South Wales.