Rat Treatment in Westminster

Physical Features of Rats

• Large body: 20-25cm length (excluding tail)
• Thick tail: 18-25cm (slightly shorter than body)
• Brown-grey coarse fur with lighter grey-white belly
• Small ears relative to body size (unlike mice)
• Blunt nose with prominent whiskers
• Small beady eyes
• Weight: 200-500 grams (much heavier than mice)
• Four large sharp incisor teeth (orange-yellow, constantly growing)

Signs of Rat Activity

• Scratching sounds in walls/ceilings at night
• Fresh droppings (10-20mm, dark, capsule-shaped with blunt ends)
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, cables
• Greasy smear marks along walls and baseboards
• Musty ammonia-like odor in infested areas
• Shredded material for nesting (paper, fabric, insulation)

Droppings: Small dark pellets, 3-8mm long with pointed ends, fresh ones are soft and shiny, old ones are hard and grey

Tracks: Tiny footprints in dust, greasy rub marks along frequently traveled routes

Nests: Shredded paper, fabric, and insulation in hidden areas like wall voids, lofts, and under appliances

Common Rat Hiding Spots

• Drainage systems and sewers (primary habitat)
• Garden burrows near buildings
• Compost bins and garden waste areas
• Under decking and sheds
• Basement and cellar areas
• Behind cavity walls at ground level
• Under concrete slabs and foundations
• Garage and outbuilding foundations
• Dense vegetation and overgrown areas
• Around waste bins and food sources

Our Rat Treatment Methods

We use a combination of professional treatments tailored to your specific infestation:

• Professional Rodenticides: HSE-approved anticoagulant baits (brodifacoum, difenacoum) placed in tamper-proof stations. Rats consume bait and die within 7-14 days. Follow-up visits ensure complete elimination.
• Snap Traps: Instant-kill traps for targeted areas. Ideal for chemical-free control or alongside baiting. We monitor and reset during follow-up visits.
• Live Traps: Humane catch-and-release options where appropriate. Less effective for large infestations but suitable for sensitive areas.
• Proofing & Exclusion: Seal entry points with wire wool, expanding foam, and metal mesh. Prevent future infestations by blocking access routes (gaps larger than 15mm - rats need bigger openings than mice).
• Monitoring Systems: Install monitoring stations to detect new activity early. Regular inspections identify problem areas before populations grow.

Preparation for Rat Treatment

Proper preparation maximizes treatment effectiveness:

• Before Treatment: Store all food in airtight containers. Clean up crumbs and spills. Remove clutter to expose hiding spots. Keep pets away from treatment areas.
• Clear Access: Move furniture away from walls. Clear kitchen kickboards and cupboards. Provide access to loft, garage, and utility areas. Point out known rat activity locations.
• Safety Measures: Remove pet food and water bowls. Cover fish tanks. Keep children and pets away from bait stations. Don't touch droppings—we'll handle safe removal.
• After Treatment: Don't clean bait stations. Monitor for dead rats (we remove these during follow-ups). Report new activity immediately. Follow technician's prevention advice.