Professional Rat Control Services in the UK

Rats are one of the most common and dangerous pests in the UK. Not only do they damage property and contaminate food supplies, but they also pose serious health risks by carrying a wide range of diseases. At Shire Pest Solutions, we provide fast, discreet, and effective rat control services to protect homes, businesses, and agricultural properties across Oxfordshire and beyond.

Understanding Rats and Their Behaviour

Rats are highly adaptable rodents that thrive in urban, rural, and industrial settings. They reproduce quickly, and their constant gnawing can damage wiring, pipework, insulation, and structural materials. Droppings and urine can contaminate kitchens, stores, lofts, and workspaces — creating both hygiene and compliance risks for homeowners and businesses.

How Are Rats Controlled?

Professional pest controllers typically use a combination of control methods depending on the risk level, environment, and scale of the problem. Where rodenticides are used, there are three common professional application approaches:

• Loose baiting: Bait is placed carefully in secure, hidden locations where non-target animals cannot access it.
• Bait stations: Purpose-built lockable stations are the most common method, offering safety and consistent monitoring.
• Hole or burrow baiting: Bait is applied directly into rat burrows to target colonies closer to the source.

In addition to baiting, we can deploy traps and monitoring systems that support fast response times and reduce disruption.

Advanced Rat Monitoring Technology

At Shire Pest Solutions, we can use electronic monitoring systems to protect sensitive sites and ensure reliable ongoing control:

• Cube: Central unit with PIR sensor, night vision camera, and communication system for alerts and battery updates.
• Tags: Up to 10 tags connect to traps, signalling the Cube when triggered.
• Alerts: Notifications can be delivered quickly after activation, supporting faster attendance and improved outcomes.

Preventing Rat Entry

We are approved installers for Ratwall, a stainless-steel rat blocker designed for domestic underground drains. Ratwall prevents rats from gaining access via sewer systems while maintaining full waste flow. It is suitable for plastic, clay, and cast-iron pipes and provides a cost-effective long-term prevention option.

Do Rats Carry Diseases?

Yes — rats can carry diseases that spread through urine, droppings, bites, and parasites. This is why professional handling and safe clean-up are essential. Common examples include:

• Salmonellosis: Often linked to contaminated food and surfaces.
• Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease): Spread through rat urine, potentially causing severe illness if untreated.
• Rat-Bite Fever: Can spread via bites, scratches, or contact with contaminated environments.
• Hantavirus: Can spread via airborne particles from dried droppings/urine in enclosed spaces.

How to Protect Yourself and Your Property

• Seal entry points — rats can squeeze through gaps around 6mm
• Store food securely in sealed containers (including pet food)
• Keep bins tightly closed and remove waste regularly
• Reduce outdoor harbourage (clutter, long grass, woodpiles)
• Clean safely — always wear gloves and avoid sweeping dry droppings
• Book professional inspections for long-term prevention

Why Professional Rat Control Is Essential

Rats adapt quickly and can be difficult to eliminate using DIY methods alone. Professional pest control ensures safe product use, accurate monitoring, and prevention measures that reduce the chance of re-infestation. At Shire Pest Solutions, we tailor our approach to your property and risk level for a safe, effective, and long-term outcome.

Professional Rat Control with Shire Pest Solutions

If you’ve noticed droppings, gnaw marks, or scratching noises, it’s time to act fast. Our technicians provide discreet, effective rat control with follow-up visits where needed, ensuring the infestation is properly addressed and future risk is reduced.