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Rat Control in London — Same-Day, 24/7

Pest Control Service Group provides emergency rat control across London, 24 hours a day. Rats damage property, spread germs and disease and reproduce rapidly. Call 020 7101 4957 for a same-day visit: a free site survey, eradication by RSPH Level 2 technicians, and proofing to make sure they don't come back, backed by our guarantee.

  • ✓ Same-day callout
  • ✓ Free inspection
  • ✓ Service guarantee
  • ✓ RSPH Level 2 technicians

Last updated: 12 October 2026 · Reviewed by: M. Hanifi, RSPH Level 2 qualified technician

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Signs you have rats

The main signs of rats are large dark droppings, gnawing on cables and wood, and unexplained movement or noises in lofts, walls and under floors.

  • Droppings: dark, blunt-ended, 10–20 mm long, often in groups.
  • Gnawing on cables, wood, plastic pipes and food packaging.
  • Unexplained movement or noises, often scratching or thudding in the loft or walls at night.
  • Burrows in the garden, near sheds, decking or compost bins.
  • Dark greasy rub marks along walls and runs through vegetation.
  • A strong, musty smell, especially in enclosed spaces.
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Why rats are a problem

Rats spread diseases such as leptospirosis (Weil's disease) and salmonella, and their gnawing damages wiring, pipes and structures.

  • They damage property: gnawed wiring is a genuine fire risk.
  • They spread germs and disease through urine and droppings.
  • They reproduce rapidly; a female can have five litters a year.
  • They damage insulation, pipes and stored belongings in lofts and basements.
  • DIY measures may not work, and can make rats more cautious (bait shy).

Rats in the loft, walls, garden, drains or kitchen

Where you hear or see rats tells us how they are getting in: lofts and walls usually mean gaps in the roofline or cavity walls, while kitchens and bathrooms often point to a defective drain.

  • Loft: scratching at night, droppings in insulation, chewed cables. Usually via gaps at the eaves, roof or cavity walls.
  • Walls and under floors: movement noises; often from broken drains or air bricks.
  • Garden: burrows by sheds, decking and compost; often attracted by bird food.
  • Drains: rats can swim up broken or unsealed pipes into toilets and under kitchens.
  • Kitchen: droppings behind units and gnawed packaging; often via pipe gaps.

Do you offer drain surveys for rats?

No, we don't carry out drain surveys. We can use a CCTV camera to look inside wall cavities, which helps us find where rats are moving and nesting, and we proof the entry points we find.

Who is responsible for rats, landlord or tenant?

In most rented homes the landlord is responsible for rats that get in because of disrepair, such as broken drains or gaps in the structure, while tenants are expected to keep the property clean and report problems promptly.

Tenancy agreements vary. Read our landlord or tenant guide for more detail.

How we get rid of rats: our process

Our process is simple: you call, we visit the same day, inspect for free, treat, proof and follow up until the problem is gone.

  1. Call us or send the form — any time, day or night.
  2. Same-day visit: we're on site within 2 hours on average.
  3. FREE inspection to find the source and scale of the problem.
  4. Targeted treatment using professional products.
  5. Proofing entry points where needed.
  6. Follow-up visit(s) to make sure the problem is gone.
  7. Covered by our service guarantee.

Treatment methods and safety for children and pets

  • Free site survey to find runs, nests and entry points.
  • Tamper-resistant bait stations and professional traps.
  • Locating entry points such as ventilation blocks and the roof, and proofing them.
  • Follow-up visits until activity stops.
  • Hygiene and garden advice to remove food sources.

Is it safe for children and pets? Rodenticides are only used in locked, tamper-resistant boxes, following the UK rodenticide stewardship code. Where children, pets or wildlife are at risk we use traps.

How to prepare for rats treatment

Good preparation makes treatment work faster. Print this checklist and tick off each step before we arrive.

  1. Remove bird feeders and secure bins and compost.
  2. Store food and pet food in sealed containers.
  3. Clear access to the loft hatch and areas where you have heard noises.
  4. Do not use shop-bought poison before our visit.

How long does rats treatment take?

The first visit takes about an hour. Most rat infestations need 3–4 visits over 3–4 weeks, followed by proofing of entry points.

How much does rat control cost in London?

Rat Control starts from £210 + VAT. The final price depends on:

  • Where the rats are (loft, garden, drains)
  • Scale of the infestation
  • Number of visits
  • Proofing required

We use the most effective professional products, which can cost a little more, but we believe you'll be happy with the quote. See our pricing guide or call 020 7101 4957.

Our guarantee

Our treatments are guaranteed for between 3 and 12 months, depending on the pest and the property. We confirm exactly what is covered, and for how long, when we inspect the site. Read the full terms on our guarantee page. Every job starts with a free inspection.

Residential and commercial rats control

Homes and rentals

In homes, the priority is to stop the noise, protect wiring and find the route in. We explain what we find and show you the entry points.

Businesses

For food businesses, warehouses and managed blocks we offer contracts with monitoring and reports that meet audit requirements. Commercial pest control · Landlords and HMOs

Areas we cover for rat control

Rat Control is available same-day across London and beyond, including:

“Amazing service, very professional and reliable. The technician was very friendly, I was offered an appointment the next day. Would definitely recommend them for any pest issue.”
10/10Checkatrade review · Bed bugs · NW4 · Oct 2024
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“Had a problem with a Glis Glis. Never had pest control out before but found PCSG on here and gave them a call. It's a Saturday and this company came within a few hours! … He is professional, friendly, so so helpful and kind.”
10/10Checkatrade review · Pest removal · SL9 · Aug 2024
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“Great job with a professional team! … will use your services again I'm sure.”
10/10Checkatrade review · Pest control · RG31 · Jul 2024
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Rat Control FAQs

How quickly can you get rid of rats?

Activity usually drops within the first week. Most infestations are cleared in 3–4 weeks over several visits, then proofed.

Does the council deal with rats in London?

Some councils offer a limited or charged rat service. A private service like ours offers faster, more flexible appointments, 24/7.

Why can I hear rats in my loft at night?

Rats are most active at night. Noises in the loft usually mean they have found a gap at the roofline or are coming up through cavity walls.

Can rats come up through the toilet?

Yes, rarely, if drains are broken or unsealed. A drain survey can identify the problem.

Is rat poison safe for my dog or cat?

We only use bait inside locked, tamper-resistant stations, or traps where pets are present.

How much does rat control cost in London?

It depends on where the rats are and how many visits are needed. Call 020 7101 4957 for a quote, or see our pricing guide.

Will rats come back after treatment?

Not if entry points are proofed. That is why we locate and seal the gaps they are using.

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