Rat Control And Removal
Rats are one of the most common and most serious pest problems in homes and businesses across the East Midlands. They breed rapidly, cause structural damage, contaminate food, and carry diseases including leptospirosis, salmonella, and E. coli. If you have seen a rat, heard scratching in your walls or loft, or found droppings, you need to act quickly.
Urgent Pest Control provides fast, effective rat removal for domestic and commercial properties across Nottingham, Derby, Leicester, Mansfield, Lincoln and surrounding areas. We respond the same day, work discreetly, and make sure the problem is properly resolved.
- 24/7 Emergency Response
- No Call-Out Fee
- Same-Day Service Available
- Unmarked Vehicles for Discretion
- PROMPT Verified Technicians
- Follow-Up Visits Included
Signs You Have a Rat Problem
Rats are mostly nocturnal, so you might have an infestation for weeks before you actually see one. Knowing what to look for can help you catch the problem early.
Droppings
Rat droppings are dark brown, roughly the size and shape of a large grain of rice, around 10 to 15mm long. You will typically find them along skirting boards, behind appliances, under sinks, in loft spaces, and near food sources. A single rat can produce up to 40 droppings per night.
Scratching Noises
Rats are agile climbers and often make their way into loft spaces, wall cavities, and under floorboards. If you hear scratching or scurrying at night, particularly overhead or inside walls, it is likely rats moving through your property.
Gnaw Marks
Rats gnaw constantly to keep their teeth from overgrowing. Look for tooth marks on wood, plastic, cables, pipes, and food packaging. Fresh gnaw marks are lighter in colour and become darker with age. Damaged cables are a genuine fire risk.
Smear Marks
Rats follow the same routes repeatedly, leaving dark, greasy marks along walls, skirting boards, and around holes. These smear marks are caused by oil and dirt in their fur and are a reliable indicator of regular activity.
Burrows and Nesting
Outdoors, look for burrow holes in soil, compost heaps, under sheds, and near drains. Indoors, rats nest in loft insulation, behind appliances, in cavity walls, and in undisturbed storage areas. Nests are typically made from shredded materials such as paper, fabric, and insulation.
What Our Customers Say
“We noticed droppings in the kitchen and called Urgent Pest Control straight away. They were here the same afternoon, found where the rats were getting in through a gap near the boiler pipes, and had everything sorted within a week. Really thorough and reassuring throughout.”
“I manage a block of flats and we had a persistent rat problem in the bin store area. Gino identified the drainage issue causing it, treated the infestation, and arranged for the drains to be repaired. No issues since. Excellent service.”
“Rats in the loft. Absolutely terrifying. These guys were here within hours, completely professional, and very reassuring. They came back twice to check everything was clear and gave us advice on proofing. Would recommend to anyone.”
Why Rats Are a Serious Problem
Rats are far more than a nuisance. They pose genuine health risks and can cause significant property damage.
- Disease transmission: rats carry leptospirosis, salmonella, E. coli, and hantavirus. Contamination occurs through droppings, urine, and direct contact with food preparation surfaces.
- Structural damage: gnawing through cables, pipes, joists, and insulation. Electrical cable damage is a known cause of fires in domestic and commercial properties.
- Contamination: rats urinate constantly as they move, contaminating surfaces, stored food, and stock.
- Rapid breeding: a pair of rats can produce up to 2,000 descendants in a single year. A small problem escalates quickly.
- Secondary pests: rats carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can spread to people and pets.
How We Treat Rat Infestations
Step 1: Survey and Assessment
We carry out a thorough inspection of your property to identify entry points, nesting sites, and the extent of the infestation. Where drainage is suspected as a factor, we can carry out a CCTV drainage survey to pinpoint defects such as broken pipes, displaced joints, and open access points.
Step 2: Treatment
We use professional-grade rodenticides in tamper-resistant bait stations, positioned strategically based on the survey findings. Trapping may also be used depending on the location and circumstances. All products we use are legally compliant and approved for professional use.
Step 3: Proofing and Prevention
Killing the rats is only half the job. We identify and seal entry points, advise on changes to prevent reinfestation, and provide follow-up visits to confirm the problem is fully resolved. For properties with drainage-related issues, we can arrange repairs through our sister company, Urgent Drainage Solutions.
Domestic and Commercial Rat Control
Homes
Rats in your home are distressing. They get into lofts, kitchens, cavity walls, and garages. We work quickly and discreetly, arriving in unmarked vehicles and keeping disruption to a minimum. We understand the urgency and treat every domestic callout as a priority.
Businesses
For businesses, a rat problem can mean Environmental Health action, forced closure, failed audits, and serious reputational damage. We provide emergency commercial callouts, ongoing pest management contracts, and full documentation for compliance and audit purposes. We work with restaurants, hotels, food manufacturers, warehouses, offices, schools, care homes, and retail premises.
Areas We Cover
Nottingham & Surrounding Areas: Arnold, Beeston, West Bridgford, Hucknall, Long Eaton, Ilkeston, Eastwood, Mapperley, Gedling, Clifton, Carlton, Bramcote, and surrounding areas.
Derby & Surrounding Areas: Allestree, Alvaston, Chellaston, Mickleover, Spondon, Belper, Alfreton, and surrounding areas.
Leicester & Surrounding Areas: Oadby, Wigston, Braunstone, Glenfield, Birstall, Syston, Loughborough, Coalville, Melton Mowbray, and surrounding areas.
Mansfield & Surrounding Areas: Sutton in Ashfield, Kirkby in Ashfield, Mansfield Woodhouse, Ollerton, Rainworth, Worksop, and surrounding areas.
Lincoln & Newark: Lincoln, Newark-on-Trent, Southwell, Grantham, and surrounding areas.
Frequently Asked Questions
The cost depends on the size and severity of the infestation and the type of property. We provide a fixed quote after the initial survey with no hidden fees. Call us for a free, no-obligation quote.
How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Most domestic infestations are resolved within two to three weeks, including follow-up visits. Larger or more complex problems, particularly those involving drainage, may take longer. We will give you a realistic timeframe at the survey stage.
Is the treatment safe for children and pets?
We use tamper-resistant bait stations that are locked and secured, designed so that children and pets cannot access the bait. We will talk you through any precautions specific to your property.
I have only seen one rat. Do I still need treatment?
If you have seen one rat, there are almost certainly more. Rats are social animals that live in groups, and they are mostly active at night. Seeing one during the day can indicate a large population. It is always worth getting an inspection.
Can I deal with rats myself?
Shop-bought traps and poisons have limited effectiveness and can be dangerous if used incorrectly, particularly around children and pets. Professional treatment uses commercial-grade products applied safely and strategically, which is significantly more effective than DIY approaches.
Do rats come back after treatment?
If the entry points are properly sealed and food sources are removed, rats should not return. We provide proofing advice as part of every treatment and will discuss ongoing prevention measures with you.
Think You Have Rats? Act Now.
Rats breed fast and the problem only gets worse. Call us now for a same-day inspection and quote. No call-out fee, no obligation.
How It Works
Step 1: Contact Us
Call us or fill in the form. We respond within the hour, 7 days a week.
Step 2: Assessment
We visit in an unmarked vehicle, survey the problem, and give you a fixed quote on the spot. No hidden fees.
Step 3: Solution
Our technicians eliminate the infestation, proof entry points to stop them returning, and follow up until the problem is fully resolved.
Why Choose Urgent Pest Control
PROMPT Verified
Fully trained, certified technicians who know exactly how to deal with your pest problem.
Same-Day Response
Emergency callouts 7 days a week. We'll be there when you need us.
Discreet Service
Unmarked vehicles and plain clothes. Your neighbours won't know we've visited.
Results Guaranteed
If pests return within the guarantee period, we come back free of charge.
Rapid response and solutions to your pest problems
Local pest control, quick response, flexible approach and competitive pricing, get in touch for more information.