Rat Removal Lancashire
Professional Rat Control in Lancashire
Rats can cause serious problems when they enter homes, gardens, lofts, drains, sheds, farms or business premises. They can damage property, contaminate areas, chew materials and quickly become difficult to control if the source of the activity is not identified.
Wallace Pest Control provides professional rat control across Lancashire, including Ribble Valley, Clitheroe, Burnley, Blackburn, Preston and surrounding areas. We help homeowners, landlords and businesses deal with rat activity safely and effectively.
Our service starts with an inspection to identify signs of activity, possible entry points, food sources and harbourage areas. We then advise on the most suitable treatment plan, which may include trapping, baiting, proofing recommendations and follow-up support.
If you have seen rats, found droppings or heard scratching noises, call Wallace Pest Control on 07496 680879 or complete the enquiry form.
Contact Wallace Pest Control
If you need help with rat activity in your home, garden, loft, outbuilding or business premises, contact Wallace Pest Control for professional advice.
Call 07496 680879 or complete the form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Rat Control Treatment Process & Pricing
Rat control starts from £240 for three visits. Additional visits, if required, are charged at £60 per visit.
Our rat control service is designed to identify where rats are active, how they are getting in and what is attracting them to the property. Treating the visible signs alone is rarely enough, which is why inspection, monitoring and proofing advice are an important part of the service.
The initial three-visit treatment programme may include:
- Inspection: we check for droppings, gnaw marks, runs, nesting areas, food sources and possible entry points.
- Treatment plan: we choose the most suitable approach based on the location, level of activity and risks around the property.
- Baiting and/or trapping: where appropriate, we use professional control methods to target the rat activity safely and effectively.
- Monitoring: we reassess activity during follow-up visits and adjust the treatment if needed.
- Proofing advice: we identify gaps, drainage issues, food sources or harbourage areas that may need attention to help reduce the risk of rats returning.
Some rat problems can be resolved within the initial treatment programme, while more complex infestations may need extra visits or additional proofing work. We will explain this clearly if further action is needed.
Visit 1: Initial Inspection and Treatment Setup
The first visit is focused on understanding the rat activity, identifying possible access points and setting up the most suitable treatment plan for the property.
- Detailed inspection: we check for signs of rat activity, including droppings, gnaw marks, grease marks, runs, nesting areas and possible food sources.
- Entry point checks: we look for areas where rats may be getting in, such as gaps around pipework, air bricks, vents, damaged brickwork, drains, doors or outbuildings.
- Baiting and/or trapping: depending on the findings, we may use professional bait stations, traps or a combination of methods. The treatment plan is tailored to the property and the level of activity.
- Monitoring methods: where appropriate, we may use monitoring tools such as tracking dust or other indicators to help understand movement patterns and locate activity.
- Safety advice: we explain where equipment has been placed and provide clear guidance to help keep children, pets and non-target animals away from treatment areas.
Visit 2: Monitoring and Treatment Adjustment
The second visit is used to assess how the treatment is progressing and whether the approach needs to be adjusted.
- Activity check: we check bait stations, traps and monitoring points for signs of rat activity, bait take, movement or disturbance.
- Treatment adjustment: if activity is still present, we may reposition bait stations, adjust trap placement or add further control measures where appropriate.
- Bait replacement: where bait has been taken, we replenish or adjust baiting as needed to maintain effective control.
- Further entry point checks: we reassess likely access points and look for any new or previously missed signs of entry, such as gaps, pipe routes, vents, drains or damaged areas.
- Updated advice: we explain what we have found, what has changed since the first visit and any proofing or hygiene steps that may help reduce the risk of rats returning.
Visit 3: Final Monitoring and Basic Proofing
The third visit is used to check the progress of the treatment, review any remaining signs of activity and discuss proofing steps to help reduce the risk of rats returning.
- Final activity check: we inspect the property again, check bait stations, traps and monitoring points, and look for any ongoing signs of rat activity.
- Review of entry points: we reassess likely access routes, including gaps around pipework, air bricks, vents, doors, drains, sheds, outbuildings or damaged areas.
- Basic proofing where practical: once activity is under control, we may seal small entry points where suitable and accessible.
- Proofing recommendations: if larger repairs are needed, such as damaged brickwork, drainage issues, larger gaps, vents, doors or structural defects, we will explain what needs attention.
- Advice to reduce future activity: we provide guidance on food sources, waste storage, garden harbourage and other conditions that may encourage rats.
Follow-Up Visits
Some rat problems are more complex than others. If activity continues after the initial three-visit treatment programme, additional visits may be recommended.
Additional visits are charged at £60 per visit, where required. We will explain why further visits may be needed and what further action is recommended.
Pre-Treatment Advice for Rat Control
Before we arrive, there are a few simple steps you can take to help us inspect the property properly and begin treatment safely. Good preparation can also help reduce food sources and make rat activity easier to identify.
Secure Food Sources
Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving food out on worktops, floors, cupboards or pantry areas. This includes pet food, bird seed, animal feed and waste food.
If you find food packaging that has been chewed or contaminated by rats, dispose of it safely. Rats can contaminate food, surfaces and storage areas, so affected items should not be used.
Clean Affected Areas Carefully
Wipe down surfaces in kitchens, dining areas, utility rooms and other affected spaces. Pay particular attention to areas where droppings, urine marks, footprints or gnawing have been found.
When cleaning suspected rat-contaminated areas, avoid sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings, as this can disturb dust and contamination. If you are unsure how to clean an affected area safely, ask us for advice before doing so.
Leave Entry Points Open for Inspection
It can be tempting to block gaps as soon as you spot them, but we recommend waiting until we have inspected the property. Sealing entry points too early can trap rats inside or make it harder to understand how they are moving around the building.
We will identify likely access points during the inspection and advise on suitable proofing once the activity has been assessed.
Manage Bins and Waste
Rats are attracted to accessible food waste, so make sure indoor and outdoor bins are closed securely and not overflowing. Clear away loose rubbish, spilled food and debris from around bin areas where possible.
Remove Bird Feeders and Secure Pet Food
Bird feeders, pet food and animal feed can all attract rats. During treatment, we recommend removing bird feeders temporarily, cleaning up spilled seed and avoiding leaving pet food out overnight.
Pet food, bird seed and animal feed should be stored in sealed, rodent-resistant containers.
Clear Access to Key Areas
We may need access to areas such as lofts, basements, garages, outbuildings, utility spaces, under kitchen units or behind large furniture. Clearing access before we arrive helps us inspect and treat the affected areas properly.
If any areas are difficult to reach or obstructed, please let us know before the visit. Limited access may affect what can be inspected or treated on the day.
Make a Note of Rat Activity
If you have heard, seen or found signs of rats, make a note of where and when the activity happened. Useful details include scratching noises, droppings, gnaw marks, sightings, smells, damage or areas where pets are reacting.
This information can help the technician understand where rats may be active and where inspection should be focused.
Keep Children and Pets Away from Treatment Areas
For safety, children and pets should be kept away from treatment areas during the visit and for any advised period afterwards. We will explain where equipment has been placed and which areas should be avoided.
Following these preparation steps helps us inspect the property more effectively and begin the most suitable rat control treatment. If you are unsure about anything before your visit, call Wallace Pest Control on 07496 680879 for advice.
During Rat Treatment: What You Need to Know
Rat control works best when treatment and prevention steps continue between visits. After the technician has attended, it is important to keep food sources limited, avoid disturbing equipment and follow the advice provided.
The aim is to reduce what is attracting rats, monitor activity and allow the treatment plan to work properly.
Keep Food Sources Secure
Continue storing food in sealed containers and avoid leaving food out on worktops, floors, cupboards or pantry areas. This includes pet food, bird seed, animal feed and waste food.
Clean up crumbs, spills and food waste quickly, especially in kitchens, utility areas, garages, sheds and bin storage areas. Reducing available food sources can help make professional baiting and trapping more effective.
Keep Areas Clean Without Disturbing Treatment
Continue keeping food preparation areas, cupboards, floors and bin areas clean during the treatment period. However, avoid cleaning directly around bait stations, traps or monitoring points unless the technician has advised you to do so.
Using strong cleaning products or moving items near treatment areas can disturb rat activity patterns or interfere with the treatment plan. If you are unsure whether an area can be cleaned, ask Wallace Pest Control for advice before doing it.
Do Not Move Bait Stations or Traps
Please do not move, open or interfere with bait stations, traps or monitoring equipment. They are placed in specific locations based on the inspection and signs of rat activity.
Children and pets should be kept away from treatment areas at all times. We will explain where equipment has been placed and what precautions you need to follow between visits.
Post-Treatment Guidance for Rat Control
Once the main rat activity has been brought under control, it is important to follow the proofing and prevention advice provided during the treatment programme.
Rat problems can return if entry points, food sources or harbourage areas are left unresolved. The guidance below explains the practical steps that can help reduce the risk of future rat activity around your property.
After treatment, it is important to follow any pest-proofing recommendations provided by the technician. This may include sealing gaps, repairing damaged areas, improving waste storage or removing conditions that are attracting rats.
Proofing can feel like an extra task, but it is one of the most important parts of long-term rat control. If access points or food sources are left unresolved, rats may be able to return or new activity may develop later.
Taking action after treatment can help reduce the risk of future problems and may prevent the need for further call-outs.
As part of the service, we include basic rodent proofing during the final visit, where suitable and accessible. This may include sealing smaller entry points that rats could be using to enter the property.
Examples can include gaps around utility pipes, small holes near external walls, accessible vents, doors or other minor openings. The technician will only carry out proofing where it is practical, safe and appropriate to do so.
If larger repairs are needed, such as damaged brickwork, drainage issues, broken vents, gaps under doors or more substantial building work, we will explain what needs attention and advise on the next steps.
Some minor proofing work may be suitable to carry out yourself, such as sealing small gaps, repairing damaged seals or improving how food and waste are stored.
However, more complex proofing should be handled by the right trade or specialist. This may include drainage defects, damaged brickwork, broken vents, gaps under doors, roofline issues or larger structural openings.
If we identify proofing work that falls outside basic rodent proofing, we will explain what we have found and recommend the most suitable next step. In some cases, this may involve contacting a builder, drainage specialist, roofer or other relevant contractor.
Drainage defects can be a major cause of recurring rat problems. Rats can use damaged drains, cracks, broken pipework or redundant drainage runs to move around and gain access to properties.
These issues are not always visible from above ground, which means a surface-level inspection may not identify the full cause of the activity.
If we suspect rats may be entering through the drainage system, we may recommend a drain survey or further investigation by a drainage specialist. Repairing drainage defects can be an important step in reducing the risk of rats returning.
After treatment, continue checking for signs of new rat activity, especially around previous problem areas, bin stores, gardens, sheds, drains and entry points.
Fresh droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises, disturbed bait points, new holes or unusual smells may indicate that activity has returned or that another access point needs attention.
If you notice new signs of rats, contact Wallace Pest Control as soon as possible. Acting early can help stop a small problem from becoming more difficult to control.
For advice about rat activity or to arrange professional rat control, call our friendly, discreet team on 07496 680879, or send us a message through our contact form.
FAQs: Rat Removal
Getting rid of rats usually requires a professional, multi-step approach. The first step is to inspect the property, identify signs of rat activity and look for possible entry points, food sources and harbourage areas.
Based on the findings, Wallace Pest Control may use a combination of baiting, trapping, monitoring and proofing advice to control the activity and reduce the risk of rats returning.
Our standard rat control service includes three visits. During these visits, we monitor progress, adjust the treatment where needed and advise on proofing or environmental changes that may help prevent further activity.
For advice or to arrange a rat control visit, call 07496 680879.
How much does it cost to get rid of rats?
Our rat control service starts from £240 for three visits. This includes inspection, treatment, monitoring and basic proofing where suitable and accessible.
If further visits are needed, these are charged at £60 per visit. We will explain why any additional visits are recommended before carrying out further work.
More complex rat problems may require extra proofing, drainage investigation or repair work. This is usually the case when rats are entering through damaged drains, larger gaps, structural defects or areas that are difficult to access.
If additional proofing or specialist repair work is needed, we will explain what has been found and advise on the most suitable next step.
Preventing rats starts with identifying how they may be accessing the property. Common entry points include gaps around pipework, damaged vents, air bricks, gaps under doors, holes in brickwork, drain defects and openings around outbuildings.
As part of our rat control service, we inspect the property for possible access points and provide proofing advice. During the final visit, we may carry out basic proofing where entry points are small, suitable and accessible.
For larger or more complex issues, such as damaged drains, broken brickwork, larger gaps, roofline defects or structural repairs, further work may be needed by a builder, drainage specialist or other relevant contractor.
You can also reduce the risk of rats by keeping bins sealed, storing food and animal feed securely, clearing clutter, removing harbourage areas and checking your property regularly for new gaps or signs of activity.
To deter rats, start by reducing the things that attract them. Keep food, pet food, bird seed and animal feed in sealed containers, clean up spills quickly and make sure bins are closed securely.
It also helps to remove clutter and harbourage areas around the property. Rats often use overgrown vegetation, sheds, garages, stacked materials, compost areas and hidden spaces as cover.
Regularly check your property for new gaps, holes, damaged vents, drain issues or signs of gnawing. Acting early can help stop rats from gaining access or becoming established.
As part of our rat control service, we provide practical prevention and proofing advice based on what we find at your property.
Rats can cause a wide range of damage once they enter a property. They gnaw constantly, which means they may chew through insulation, timber, plastic pipework, stored items and even electrical cables.
Rat activity can also contaminate areas with droppings, urine and nesting material. This can affect kitchens, lofts, garages, sheds, outbuildings, food storage areas and commercial premises.
Outside, rats may burrow under sheds, decking, patios, compost areas or garden buildings. They can also be attracted to bird seed, pet food, waste, overgrown areas and other harbourage around the property.
If you notice damage, droppings, gnaw marks or signs of burrowing, it is best to arrange an inspection before the problem becomes more established.
Rats can pose health and hygiene risks when they enter homes, gardens or business premises. They can contaminate surfaces, food storage areas and materials with droppings, urine and nesting debris.
Rats may also bite if they feel trapped or threatened, so it is best not to handle them or attempt to remove them yourself.
If you find signs of rat activity, avoid direct contact with droppings, nesting material or contaminated items where possible. If someone is bitten or becomes unwell after contact with rats or contaminated areas, seek medical advice.
Rats can carry bacteria, parasites and other organisms that may pose health risks to people and pets. They can contaminate surfaces, food storage areas, insulation and other materials through droppings, urine, fur and nesting debris.
Rat activity linked to drains, sewers or waste areas can increase hygiene concerns, especially if rats are entering kitchens, lofts, wall cavities, cupboards or commercial premises.
If you find rat droppings or contaminated materials, avoid touching them directly. Wear suitable protection if cleaning is required, avoid disturbing dry droppings where possible, and ask for professional advice if the affected area is extensive.
Rat Removal Lancashire
If you have seen rats, heard scratching noises or found signs of rat activity, contact our friendly, experienced team for professional advice and a suitable treatment plan.
How We Quickly Resolve Pest Problems
Most pest issues can be assessed quickly, with a clear treatment plan based on the severity.
We follow a clear, proven approach to deal with pest problems quickly, safely, and thoroughly, giving you confidence at every stage.
