Rat Removal Newcastle
How to identify a rat infestation and how we remove it for you.
Rats Getting Into Your Home: How They Get In and How We Remove Them
Few things are as unsettling as hearing scratching in the loft at night or discovering signs that rats have made themselves at home. Unfortunately, rats are highly adaptable and can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps to gain access to properties. Once inside, they can cause damage, contaminate food, and pose health risks if left untreated.
At Newcastle and Sunderland Pest Control, we provide fast, professional rat control services, identifying the source of the problem and ensuring your home is protected against future infestations.
How Do Rats Get Into Houses?
Rats are excellent climbers, swimmers, and burrowers, making them incredibly resourceful when searching for food and shelter. Some of the most common entry points include:
Gaps around drainpipes and utility cables
Broken or damaged air bricks
Cracks in brickwork or foundations
Damaged roof tiles and soffits
Open vents without mesh protection
Gaps under doors or garage doors
Faulty drains or damaged sewer pipes
A rat only needs a gap of around 15-20mm to squeeze through, so even small openings can become a problem.
Signs You May Have Rats
You may have a rat infestation if you notice:
Scratching or scurrying noises in walls, ceilings, or loft spaces
Rat droppings around kitchens, cupboards, or lofts
Gnaw marks on wood, cables, or plastic pipes
Greasy smear marks along walls or skirting boards
A strong musky odour
Nesting materials such as shredded paper or insulation
The sooner these signs are investigated, the easier it is to prevent the infestation from becoming more serious.
Why Rats Are a Problem
Rats are more than just a nuisance. They can:
Spread diseases through urine, droppings, and contaminated surfaces
Damage electrical wiring, increasing the risk of fire
Chew through pipes, insulation, and timber
Contaminate food storage areas
Reproduce quickly, turning a small problem into a major infestation
Ignoring the issue rarely makes it go away, and professional treatment is usually the quickest and most effective solution.
How We Remove Rats
Every property is different, so we begin with a thorough inspection to understand where the rats are entering and where they are nesting.
Our process includes:
1. Full Inspection
We inspect your property to identify signs of activity, locate entry points, and assess the extent of the infestation.
2. Safe Treatment
We use professional-grade control methods that are selected to suit your property and the level of infestation. Safety for your family, pets, and the environment is always a priority.
3. Proofing Recommendations
Simply removing the rats isn't enough if they can get back in. We identify access points and recommend or carry out proofing work to help prevent future infestations.
4. Follow-Up Visits
Where required, we return to monitor progress, ensure the treatment has been successful, and confirm that the infestation has been eliminated.
Preventing Rats from Returning
There are several simple steps homeowners can take to reduce the risk of rats entering their property:
Seal holes and gaps around pipes and cables.
Keep bins securely closed.
Avoid leaving pet food outdoors overnight.
Trim vegetation growing against walls or roofs.
Repair damaged drains and broken air bricks.
Store food in sealed containers.
While prevention helps, determined rats can still find a way in, which is why professional inspections are so important.
Need Professional Rat Control?
If you've seen signs of rats in your home, don't wait for the problem to get worse. Early intervention can prevent costly damage and reduce the risk of a larger infestation.
Our experienced technicians provide reliable, discreet, and effective rat removal, helping homeowners regain peace of mind. From the initial inspection through to proofing advice and follow-up visits, we're committed to solving the problem properly—not just treating the symptoms.
Contact us today to arrange a professional inspection and let us help keep your home rat-free.