Rat treatment and advice

Rat numbers fluctuate year by year and anyone can experience problems in their garden or home. Rats require food, water and somewhere to live and they may find these three elements over a wide area.

Next steps

Book a professional treatment

Our affordable treatment promises a stress-free solution to your problem. We also offer a discount for those in receipt of a means-tested benefit or the free prescriptions element of universal credit.

You need to get rid of rats as fast as possible because:

  • they can lead to illnesses such as food poisoning and leptospirosis (often referred to as Weil's disease)
  • their need to gnaw to keep their teeth healthy can lead to property damage, including to electric cables which creates a serious fire risk
  • they can lead to reputational costs and fines for businesses
  • the sound of them scuttling around your home can make it difficult to relax and sleep

Treatment

Expert officers – Our pest control team have over 20 years of experience providing high-quality pest control services in Colchester.

Convenient appointment times – Book a convenient day and morning or afternoon slot for us to carry out an initial investigation.

Targeted treatment – Our pest control officers use non-toxic products to target specific areas in your property where rats hide.

Aftercare

Following treatment, we will make suggestions to help you keep your property pest-free.

All our work is guaranteed for a month after the last treatment.

What to do in the meantime

To reduce the spread of a rat infestation while you wait for your pest control appointment, focus on removing anything that helps rats to thrive.

Clean your property thoroughly – As rats can carry illnesses, it’s important to clean your property thoroughly and regularly both before and after the treatment.

Seal up cracks and holes – Even small cracks and holes in your cupboards, skirting boards, doors and walls can be entry points for rats. They only need a gap of 15mm to enter a property. Seal any gaps you can find and make it harder for them to gain access.

Tidy up potential nesting sites - Remove potential nesting sites by keeping gardens tidy, clearing any piles of garden waste and cutting back overgrown areas. Protect compost heaps with wire mesh to prevent rats from digging in.

Removing food sources – Empty your bins regularly and make sure all food is kept in containers that can be firmly closed. Always properly seal bin lids on outside bins.

Check your bird feeders - If you feed garden birds, use a bird table or feeder basket to catch any dropped seed. If possible, bring in bird food at dusk before rats come out of hiding to feed.

Page last reviewed: 3 March 2025