What to Do if You Find Rats in Your Loft
Introduction
If you’ve just heard scratching above your head at night or found droppings in the loft, you might be wondering: what to do if you have loft rats? It’s not a pleasant discovery, but you’re not alone. Many homeowners in the UK deal with the same problem, especially during colder months when rats look for warm shelter. The good news is, with the right steps, you can tackle the issue and stop them from coming back.
Spotting the Signs of Rats
Sometimes you won’t actually see a rat, but you’ll notice little clues they leave behind. Here are the most common signs:
- Droppings – small, dark, pellet-like droppings scattered in corners or on beams.
- Noises at night – scratching, scurrying, or gnawing sounds when the house is quiet.
- Chewed items – teeth marks on wood, wires, boxes, or even stored clothes.
- Nesting material – bits of shredded insulation, paper, or fabric bunched together.
- Strong smell – a musky odour that lingers in closed spaces.
Why Rats Love Lofts
Lofts provide warmth, quiet, and safety. Insulation makes perfect bedding material, and once they’re in, they’re unlikely to leave willingly.
They don’t always eat in the loft – they often travel down into your kitchen, bins, or even garden compost, then scuttle back up to their cosy hideout. If you’ve got easy food sources nearby and a gap in the roofline or vents, they’ll make themselves at home.
What to Do Straight Away
When you realise you’ve got rats in the loft, you need to act fast before they start breeding. Here are a few steps you can take immediately:
- Seal food sources in containers, clear away crumbs, and make sure bins have tight lids.
- Check roof tiles, vents, and gaps around pipes. Seal anything bigger than a 50p coin with metal mesh or filler.
- Clear clutter such as boxes and old clothes that make great hiding spots.
- Set snap traps or monitoring traps to assess activity.
Ways to Get Rid of Them
You’ve got several options:
- Snap traps: Quick and effective. Place them along the edges where rats run.
- Live traps: Catch rats alive, but remember you cannot release them just anywhere.
- Poison baits: Effective but must be handled carefully. Always use bait boxes.
- Repellents: Ultrasonic devices can help but should not be relied upon alone as we have not seen enough proof on these as of yet.
If DIY methods fail, consider professional help. Our Didcot pest control and Wallingford pest control teams can quickly remove infestations.
Keeping Rats Out for Good
- Seal roofline gaps, vents, and pipes with mesh or steel wool.
- Don’t leave pet food out overnight and secure outdoor bins.
- Tidy your garden and keep compost or woodpiles away from walls.
- Inspect your loft every few months to catch problems early.
When to Call in the Experts
Call a pest control professional if:
- You keep catching rats, but they still come back.
- You hear activity during the day – a sign of a bigger infestation.
- You spot droppings in multiple areas of the house.
- You don’t feel comfortable handling traps or poisons.
Professionals know where rats hide, how they get in, and the safest removal methods.
Finding rats in your loft can feel unnerving, but don’t panic. Confirm the signs, act quickly by cutting off food, blocking gaps, and setting traps. Once you’ve dealt with the problem, focus on prevention with regular checks and good housekeeping. If it feels overwhelming, calling in professionals is often the fastest way to restore peace of mind. Yes, rats are excellent climbers and can squeeze through small gaps in walls, vents, and rooflines. Yes, they carry diseases, chew wires, and can damage insulation. Seal gaps, secure food, and tidy your garden. Ongoing inspections will also help prevent future infestations.Final Thoughts
FAQs About Rats in the Loft
Can rats climb into lofts?
Are rats in the loft dangerous?
How do I stop rats from coming back?