Pest Control for Rats
A Guide to Understanding and Controlling Infestations
Rats are not just a nuisance. They are a health risk, fire hazard, and compliance threat.
At Stratton Environmental Management, we deliver structured, CRRU-compliant rodent control programmes designed to protect property, brand reputation, and regulatory standing.
Whether you manage a family home, a warehouse, a food production facility, or a multi-site portfolio — we respond rapidly, act discreetly, and resolve the issue properly
The Risk Rats Pose
A rat infestation escalates quickly.
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Electrical fires from gnawed cables
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Structural damage to insulation and fabric
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Contamination of stock and surfaces
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Disease transmission including Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) and Salmonella
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For commercial clients, the stakes are higher:
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BRCGS audit failure
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Food Safety Act breaches
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HSE enforcement action
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Reputational damage
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Stratton doesn’t just remove rodents.
We reduce liability.
Problem with Rats at your home or Premises?
Understanding the Rat Types in the UK
Most UK infestations involve one of two species:
How Rats Get Inside
Rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 20mm — about the width of your thumb.
Common entry points include:
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Damaged drains or pipework
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Gaps under doors or around loading bays
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Cracks in brickwork or vents
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Utility entry holes for cables or pipes
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Broken roof vents or soil stacks
If there’s a weakness, they’ll find it. That’s why proper proofing is just as important as treatment.
Stratton’s Rat Control Process
1. Assessment
2. Control Strategy
3. Proofing & Prevention
4. Monitoring & Review
We conduct a structured site survey identifying:
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Entry points
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Harbourage areas
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Contributing environmental factors
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Regulatory exposure
For commercial sites, this includes compliance risk evaluation.
We deploy a tailored Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme including:
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Targeted trapping systems
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CRRU-compliant rodenticide use (where appropriate)
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Secure tamper-resistant bait stations
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Monitoring architecture for high-risk environments
Lasting control depends on exclusion.
We implement physical proofing measures to eliminate access routes:
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Mesh sealing around service entries
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Steel weep vent protection
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Dock leveller sealing
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Heavy-duty door seals
For commercial clients, this reduces ongoing rodenticide reliance and supports ESG objectives.
For businesses, we provide:
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Digital reporting
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Scheduled review meetings
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KPI tracking
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Audit-ready documentation
Where required, connected monitoring systems provide 24/7 oversight.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the best way to get rid of rats?
The most effective and sustainable rat control strategy prioritises prevention alongside targeted removal. Eliminating attractants such as food, water, and harbourage is essential, supported by proofing measures including sealing entry points, securing waste areas, and reducing clutter.
Where activity is present, structured control using traps or secured bait stations may be required. Given rats’ rapid breeding cycles, concealed nesting behaviour, and the need for safe, compliant treatment, professional inspection and intervention ensures accurate identification of ingress points, controlled eradication, and long-term proofing solutions.
Are rats dangerous?
Yes. Wild rats present a serious risk to human health, pets, and property.
They are known carriers of diseases including Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, and Hantavirus, which can be transmitted through droppings, urine, saliva, bites, scratches, or parasites such as fleas and mites.
In addition to health risks, rats cause significant structural damage through constant gnawing, often compromising electrical wiring, pipework, and insulation — increasing the risk of fire and costly repairs.
Due to the speed at which infestations escalate and the associated compliance and safety risks, any confirmed rat activity should be addressed promptly through professional inspection and controlled intervention.
Is it normal to see a rat in the garden?
Rats are highly adaptable omnivores, feeding on a wide range of plant and animal matter depending on availability. Common food sources include discarded food waste, pet food, bird seed, grains, meat scraps, fallen fruit, garden produce, and compost contents.
Certain species display preferences — Norway rats are often drawn to high-protein foods such as meat and pet feed, while Roof rats typically favour fruits — but both will exploit any accessible food supply.
This opportunistic feeding behaviour is central to their survival and rapid population growth, making strict food storage, waste management, and environmental control essential to preventing infestation.
Don’t Let a Small Problem Become a Big One
Whether you’re protecting your home or your business, acting early makes all the difference.
Contact Stratton today to arrange your inspection and take control of the issue.
