Rat infestations are on the rise across the country, with local councils responding to 291,132 pest control callouts in 2024. That’s the equivalent of one visit every two minutes!
And the cost to deal with them isn’t cheap. According to our research, councils spend around £40 million every year to deal with rodents, with some councils charging up to £283 for rat and mice removal services.
Here’s what you need to know about the dangers they pose, how to spot them, and more importantly – how to keep them at bay.
The dangers of rats in your home and garden
Rats can wreak havoc on your property. They can cause structural damage by gnawing through floorboards, stud walls and drywall linings. They can also chew through loft insulation and plastic pipes, potentially causing condensation and damp issues. Rats can even chew through electrical cables, which poses a significant fire and safety risk.
Beyond the walls of your home, your garden can suffer, too. From eating your plants, to burrowing into lawns, rats can cause serious damage outside. They also contaminate soil and water with their urine or droppings, which can harbour diseases such as Salmonella and Listeria.
When’s peak season for rat infestations?
Rat problems can persist all year long, but summertime is the peak season for infestations. The warmer weather encourages rats to venture out in search of food, with gardens, bins and outdoor spaces becoming prime targets.
How to spot a rat infestation
Early detection is key to preventing a full-blown infestation. Here are some signs to look out for:
Droppings: Small, dark droppings are often found near food sources or nesting areas.
Gnaw marks: Look for marks on wood, plastic or cables that might have been chewed.
Scratching noises: Rats are nocturnal (most active at night), so you may hear scratching or scurrying sounds in walls or ceiling at night.
Nests: Shredded paper, fabric or insulation in hidden corners can be signs a nest is present.
Unusual pet behaviour: Your pets may become agitated or fixated on a certain area if they sense rats.
How to prevent rat infestations
Prevention is always better than ‘cure’ when it comes to rodents. Here are five top tips to help make your home and garden less appealing to them:
1. Secure your bins: Use tightly closed bins to store your rubbish and avoid thin plastic bin bags that rats can easily tear through.
2. Keep surfaces clean: Wipe down kitchen counters regularly, clean up spills, and throw away food waste to get rid of potential food sources.
3. Seal entry points: Rats can squeeze through small gaps, so check for cracks or gaps around windows, doors, and pipes (especially under sinks) and seal them appropriately.
4. Store food properly: Keep pantry food like cereal, rice, and pet food in airtight containers to block tempting smells and easy entry.
5. Declutter regularly: Tidy any cluttered areas in your home and garden, as rats love to nest in quiet, hidden spots.
How to get rid of rats
If you think you have a rat infestation, it’s worth getting help from a professional to deal with the problem quickly.
According to Niall Gallagher from the British Pest Control Association, “Rats and mice are a public health concern and have rapid breeding cycles, which means an infestation can quickly escalate.”
While 24% of UK councils no longer offer pest control services, those that do may charge anywhere from £10 to £283, depending on your location.
You could also hire a qualified pest control professional, such as a member of the British Pest Control Association. They can identify the root cause, eliminate the infestation, and advise on preventing future issues.
Avoid attempting DIY solutions, as improper handling could potentially worsen the problem or pose health risks.
Home insurance can help
Sometimes, we can take all the care in the world, and it’s still not enough to stop rats from causing damage to our homes. This is why having the right home insurance can give you peace of mind.
Check your policy to find out whether you're covered for rat infestations.
