If you’ve discovered rats in your home or business, the most important thing is to deal with the problem quickly. Rats can cause damage to wiring, insulation, pipework and stored goods, as well as contaminating areas with urine and droppings. You may hear scratching in walls or ceilings, notice droppings, find gnawed packaging or even see a rat itself. Whatever the first sign, it’s worth remembering that seeing one rat doesn’t necessarily mean there is only one.
How Do You Really Get Rid of Rats?
The most effective way to get rid of rats is to understand where they are coming from, how they are getting into the property and what is allowing them to remain there. Simply putting down traps or poison may deal with individual rats without resolving the reason they are there in the first place. We carry out a thorough inspection to identify signs of activity, potential nesting areas and access points before deciding on the most appropriate treatment.
Stopping Rats From Coming Back
Getting rid of the existing rats is only part of the solution. Once the infestation is under control, we can advise on rat proofing to reduce the chances of the problem returning. Rats can exploit gaps around pipework, damaged brickwork, doors, vents and other weaknesses around a building. They can also gain access through the drainage network. Where appropriate, ASW can install a Ratflap within drainage pipework to help prevent rats travelling from the sewer system towards your property. Internal and external proofing can then be used to address other identified entry points.
Should You Try to Get Rid of Rats Yourself?
If you suspect you have rats, particularly inside your home or commercial premises, we recommend speaking to a professional rather than repeatedly trying different DIY treatments. Incorrect use of rodenticides can present unnecessary risks to people, pets and wildlife, while failing to identify the source of the infestation can mean rats simply return. For businesses, there are also hygiene, compliance, stock and reputational considerations, making it particularly important that rodent problems are managed correctly and documented where necessary.
Contact ASW Pest Control for Rat Control
If you’re searching for how to get rid of rats, the quickest first step is to contact us. Our experienced technicians deal with rat problems in homes and businesses across Wiltshire and surrounding areas, from initial inspection and treatment through to proofing and long-term prevention. We aim to attend callouts promptly and, importantly, we look beyond the immediate infestation to help establish why the rats are there and how the risk of them returning can be reduced.
If you’ve heard scratching, found droppings, noticed damage or simply suspect rats are present, don’t wait for the problem to become more established. Call us on 0800 592011 or contact us online to arrange a visit.
