Rat Control London

Rats are one of the most serious pest problems a London property owner can face. Beyond the obvious unpleasantness, brown rats (Rattus norvegicus) carry leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), salmonella, and a host of other pathogens. They gnaw through electrical cables — a leading cause of unexplained house fires — and can undermine structural foundations if left unchecked. In a city as densely built as London, with its ageing Victorian sewer network running beneath millions of properties, professional rat control is not optional: it is essential.

Do not rely on shop-bought bait stations or snap traps alone. Without identifying and sealing entry points, you are fighting a losing battle. London’s rat population is well adapted to the city’s environment and will find new routes in if the root cause is not addressed. Our BPCA-accredited technicians provide a full programme — from initial survey to treatment to structural proofing — to ensure your home or business is protected for the long term.

Signs You Have a Rat Problem

Droppings: Dark, spindle-shaped droppings (roughly 12–18 mm) along skirting boards, behind appliances, or near food storage areas
Gnaw marks: Fresh, pale gnaw marks on wood, pipes, cables, or food packaging
Burrows: Small circular holes (approximately 70 mm in diameter) in garden borders, under sheds, or near drain covers
Grease trails: Dark smear marks along walls and joists where rats travel repeatedly on the same routes
Sounds: Scratching, scurrying, or squeaking sounds within walls, floors, or loft spaces — particularly at night

Treatment Process

Survey and risk assessment: Our technician carries out a thorough inspection of the interior and exterior, identifying active harbourage, entry points, and likely routes. In many London properties — particularly those near the Thames or with older drainage — we recommend a CCTV drain survey to establish whether rats are accessing the building through damaged sewer pipes.
Bait programme: We place tamper-resistant bait stations at key locations using UK HSE-approved rodenticides. Bait is monitored and refreshed across a programme of 2–3 visits spaced 7–14 days apart.
Proofing: On completion of the bait programme, we seal confirmed entry points using steel mesh, expanding foam with wire insert, and appropriate building materials. Common entry points in London properties include airbricks, pipework penetrations, and gaps around cable entry points in Victorian-era brickwork.
Report and follow-up: You receive a written report noting all findings, treatments applied, and proofing completed. If signs of activity persist, we return within the 3-month guarantee period at no additional cost.

Why Choose London Pest Control Team?

We are a fully BPCA-accredited pest control company serving all 33 London boroughs. Our technicians hold RSPH Level 2 qualifications in pest management and receive ongoing training. We carry full public liability insurance and all treatments comply with current UK pesticide regulations. Our vans are unmarked for complete discretion — your neighbours will not know you have had a pest controller visit.

We offer same-day response in most cases, particularly for rat problems which require urgent attention. Our prices are fixed and agreed before any work begins, so there are no unwelcome surprises. If you are a landlord, letting agent, or business owner, we can provide a formal report suitable for insurance or compliance purposes.

Rat Control Pricing in London

Rat control in London is priced at a realistic level that reflects the city’s higher operational costs — travel, parking, and the typically longer treatment times required for London’s Victorian properties. Expect to pay 20–30% more than the national average for this reason.

Treatment	Price Range
Survey and first treatment visit	from £120
Full 2-visit programme	£150–£200
Full 3-visit programme with proofing	£180–£250
Drain survey add-on	from £80

All prices include VAT and are fixed before work commences. We work across Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Camden, Southwark, and all other London boroughs. See our full pricing guide for more information.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does rat treatment take? A full rat treatment programme typically runs over 2–3 weeks, requiring 2–3 visits. The initial visit involves survey and first baiting; subsequent visits monitor progress, refresh bait, and confirm the programme’s success. Final proofing work is carried out once the infestation has been resolved.

Can rats come back after treatment? They can, which is why proofing is so important. If entry points are sealed properly, re-infestation is unlikely. Our 3-month guarantee means that if rats return within that period, we revisit at no extra charge.

Do I need a drain survey for rat control? Not always, but we recommend it for properties in Thames-adjacent boroughs (Tower Hamlets, Southwark, Newham, Greenwich), properties with a history of rat activity, and any property where an entry point cannot be identified externally. Broken sewer pipes are one of the most common causes of persistent rat problems in London.

Are rodenticides safe for pets? We use tamper-resistant bait stations that prevent access by pets and non-target wildlife. Keep dogs and cats away from bait station locations as a precaution and inform us at the time of booking if you have pets.

If you have spotted signs of rats in or around your property, do not delay. Call us on 020 3966 6100 for a same-day response, or get a quote online. We cover Hackney, Tower Hamlets, Newham, Camden, Southwark, and every other London borough.