If you’ve dealt with a rat problem before, you’ll know how unsettling it can be and how determined these pests are to come back if given the chance. So it’s no surprise one of the most common questions we hear at ASW Pest Control is:
“How do I keep rats away for good?”
Here’s what really keeps rats away permanently and how we will get it done properly.
Step 1: A Thorough Inspection
You can’t stop rats from returning unless you know where they’re getting in. One of the biggest mistakes we see is a treatment-only approach, placing poison or traps without identifying access points.
At ASW, every rat job starts with a detailed inspection of:
- External walls, air bricks, and pipe entries
- Loft spaces, floor voids, and basements
- Drainage systems and manhole access
- Outbuildings, decking and cluttered areas
We don’t just deal with the symptoms — we find the entry points, travel routes, and nesting areas.
Step 2: Proofing Your Property
Proofing is the most effective long-term solution. Once we know how rats are getting in, we block their access, permanently.
This may include:
- Sealing gaps around pipes and vents
- Fitting metal mesh to air bricks
- Installing Ratflap devices in drains
- Closing off voids beneath decking or extensions
- Replacing damaged door seals or roof tiles
Rodents are clever, but they can’t chew through metal or enter a property that’s been properly sealed.
Step 3: Remove Attractants
Rats aren’t just looking for shelter, they’re looking for food, water, and nesting material. We help clients reduce the appeal of their property by advising on:
- Storing pet food in sealed containers
- Securing bins with tight-fitting lids
- Removing clutter near walls and fences
- Avoiding bird feeders placed too close to the home
- Fixing dripping outdoor taps or blocked drains
Even the cleanest properties can unknowingly invite rats in.
Step 4: Monitoring and Follow-Up
Permanently keeping rats away means staying one step ahead. That’s why we offer follow-up visits and ongoing monitoring plans for high-risk or commercial sites.
We install bait stations or non-toxic monitoring points where needed and re-check all proofing work to ensure nothing has been compromised over time.
“I had previously used another company to deal with a rat problem but when the rats returned, I contacted ASW. Simon did a proper inspection and came back twice to follow up. I haven’t felt abandoned like I did before.” – ★★★★★ Customer Review
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I hear noises in the loft but don’t see anything, is it still worth calling?
Absolutely. Rats often go unseen for weeks. Early inspection gives us a much better chance of preventing a larger infestation.
Q: Can you guarantee rats won’t come back?
We can’t guarantee rats will never try but we can ensure your property is fully proofed, monitored, and far less likely to be a target. And if you have a maintenance plan with us, we’re here to act fast if anything changes.
Q: Do rats come back to the same places?
Yes. Once a property has been accessed by rats, they’ll often return. That’s why proofing and prevention are the only long-term answer.
Permanent Results. Local Experts.
We help homeowners, landlords, and business owners across Wiltshire keep rats out and keep them out for good. Our team is local, qualified, and genuinely cares about doing the job properly.
Call our team on 0800 592011 or contact us online to arrange a rat inspection or discuss long-term proofing. We will ensure we stop the cycle, block the access and keep your home or business rodent-free, permanently.
