Expert Rat Control Services

At Apex Pest Control, we provide dependable rat control services across South Yorkshire, UK. Our local technicians respond promptly to infestations, adjusting each treatment to match your home, garden, or commercial premises—because every situation is different.

Our skilled rat removal team uses established techniques to safely remove both black rats and brown rats, while keeping risks to children and pets to an absolute minimum. Although DIY solutions may seem effective initially, rat populations increase rapidly, often making infestations harder to manage without professional intervention. This is where our long-term pest control solutions provide lasting results.

Our process is clear and effective:

• Survey
• Treatment
• Follow up and prevention

Health, Safety & Legal Compliance

All Apex rodent treatments strictly follow:

• CRRU UK Code of Best Practice – Guides our hierarchy of control (proofing first, mechanical control second, chemical only as last resort)
• Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 – Professional rodenticide licensing and safe application
•  The Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 – Your property rights and legal obligations
•  Environmental Risk Assessments – Every chemical treatment includes a formal ERA to protect non-target species (pets, birds, beneficial insects)
•  Food Safety Act 1990 – If applicable to your premise, full compliance with food business pest control requirements

What this means for you: We don’t simply remove rats—we carry out treatments safely, legally, and responsibly, protecting your family, pets, and surrounding wildlife.
All bait stations are tamper-resistant, carefully positioned to reduce the risk of secondary poisoning, and routinely checked by our certified technicians. Our compliance procedures reflect professional standards and help protect you from legal risk.

Our Commitment: We deliver a complete eradication service supported by professional follow-up monitoring. We also provide detailed proofing advice to help protect your property from future infestations originating from nearby areas.

Our Rat Control Process Explained

• Survey – first thing that is required is to inspect the building and immediate area for signs of rats. Assess the situation and size of infestation at the property.
• Proofing and prevention – during the initial inspection, we search for places like water and drain pipes that may need proofing and sealing up to control rats entering and leaving the property.
• Baiting – today, traditional rat traps are ineffective against a family of rats. Baiting using a variety of pesticides for poisoning rats is the leading choice for control. I am choosing the right grade of professional rodenticide to use in the bait stations.
• Follow up visits – every job requires two visits to remove dead vermin and monitor the situation and stop any rats coming back. Once you haven’t seen any more rats over a set period and we are satisfied they are gone, you will be pest-free.

Common Rat Species in the UK

Brown rat

Also referred to as the common, sewer, or street rat, this species is widespread throughout the UK and thrives in urban areas close to human activity.

Black rat

Commonly known as the roof or ship rat, this long-tailed rodent is often found in agricultural environments, feeding on crops and stored goods. Natural predators such as foxes and weasels help control their numbers in open areas.

Effective Rat Prevention and Treatment

Treatment programmes begin with an initial visit, followed by scheduled follow-ups based on the findings of the survey. Bait is strategically placed in active areas using second-generation rodenticides suitable for the environment.

The first follow-up visit usually takes place within 5–7 days to monitor bait uptake and remove any dead rodents. A second visit provides further assessment of infestation levels and identifies additional harbourage points.

Further visits are arranged where necessary until the infestation has been fully eradicated. Following the final visit, a 30-day guarantee is provided—any recurrence within this period is addressed at no extra cost.

Each service is tailored to the specific property, whether residential or commercial.

Residential Control

Every treatment begins with a detailed inspection of the property, including areas such as under floors, loft spaces, kitchens, garages, and external surroundings. Identifying entry points and activity zones is key to achieving long-term results.

During the survey, a full risk assessment is carried out, supported by knowledge of rat behaviour and biology. Common signs include:

• Holes
• Droppings
• Rat runs
• Smear mark
• Smell
• Damage
• Gnawing
• Dead or alive rats
• Tracks
• Nests
• Food source

Why Choose Apex Pest Control?

• Professional pest technicians
• Over 30 years of experience
• Local pest experts
• Fast and discreet treatment
• Insured
• NPTA Certified

Commercial Control

Commercial premises require a comprehensive inspection before any treatment plan is implemented. This involves assessing:

• Common hiding places
• Entry points
• Outside premises
• Neighbouring buildings
• Signs of rats
• Health issues

Before treatment begins, clear information is provided regarding disease risks, treatment methods, and ongoing pest management procedures.

Rodent Control in Food Premises

Food environments demand strict pest control measures due to contamination risks. Block bait formulations are used to reduce the risk of spillage. In sensitive areas, non-toxic indicator blocks may be placed within tamper-resistant bait stations.

Internal baiting should be kept to a minimum and reduced once the infestation has been cleared. Fixing bait stations to walls or floors is recommended, particularly in production areas, for added safety. Areas such as boiler rooms and ceiling voids remain high-risk and may require treatment.

Perimeter baiting may be installed where appropriate, subject to justification and an environmental risk assessment. These should always be fixed, tamper-resistant stations to provide maximum protection. Internal bait placement in kitchens and restaurants follows the same principles as domestic settings.

In many premises, baiting within production areas is not permitted.

Farm and Agricultural Rat Control

As farms differ in size and layout, residential areas are often part of the site, meaning children and domestic animals must be considered. Environments containing stored feed, crops, bedding, and waste provide ideal conditions for rodent infestations. As winter approaches, rodents living outdoors often move into buildings.

Indoor rat activity is treated using bait stations placed in safe, accessible locations. Where contamination is a concern, secure block baits are used within tamper-resistant stations.

Rodents require daily access to water, so visible runs leading to water sources often indicate activity. These may appear as holes, which can be safely baited where appropriate. Covering these holes with materials such as wood or stone helps reduce risks to non-target species.

Covering holes also helps keep bait dry, maintaining its effectiveness for longer. Ideally, bait should be placed at least 60cm within burrows to prevent access by children. External baiting around farm buildings is carried out where justified and supported by environmental risk assessments. Fixed, tamper-resistant bait stations provide the highest level of protection in these settings.

Ongoing Monitoring and Follow-Up Visits

The initial service includes the first follow-up visit, while additional visits are charged at £35. Follow-ups typically occur around seven days after treatment begins, although some situations may require more frequent monitoring.

The timing and frequency of follow-up visits depend on:

• Size and extent of the rat infestation
• The risk to other species through exposure to bait or poison for rats
• Label requirements of the chosen rodenticide.

Outdoor bait stations must be cleared of bait once treatment is complete, unless they are part of an ongoing pest control contract.

Certain sites may require more detailed reporting, including:

• Bait plans
• COSHH assessments
• Monitoring reports
• Hygiene
• Housekeeping
• Proofing recommendations.

Hire a Skilled Rat Removal Expert

Seeing a rat in your home or garden rarely means there is only one present. For reliable and long-term results, professional pest control is essential.

Apex Pest Control technicians are fully qualified and members of recognised industry organisations such as the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).

Arrange your survey today and take control of your property with a pest control company focused on safety, compliance, and effective results.

How Big Can a Brown Rat Get?

Brown rats have coarse fur that is typically brown or dark grey, with lighter colouring underneath. They are noticeably larger than black rats.

Their head and body length usually ranges from 15 to 28 cm, while the tail measures between 10.5 and 24 cm. Adult rats typically weigh between 140g and 500g, although some individuals can reach up to 900g–1kg in rare cases.

Why Are Rats More Common in Autumn in the UK?

As temperatures fall, rats and mice look for warm shelter during the winter months, often entering homes and buildings. Many rodents carry diseases, making it important to maintain a pest-free environment.

They can also cause significant structural damage by chewing electrical wiring, leaving droppings, creating holes, and marking surfaces with grease trails.

During winter, food sources become limited, but as spring arrives, natural food becomes more available, encouraging rodents to move back outdoors between March and May.

How to Identify a Rat Infestation

You can determine whether rodents are present in your property by recognising several key indicators. Early detection, combined with regular and thorough inspections, is essential for effective pest control.

Evidence of Nesting – Shredded materials such as paper, cardboard, or plant matter may indicate nest building. Nests are usually located in hidden areas that are rarely disturbed, so careful inspection is required.

Damage to Property – Rats and mice frequently gnaw on materials, so signs of chewing often indicate an infestation. Check cupboards and storage areas for damaged packaging, as rodents collect materials for nesting. Food items and fruit bowls are common targets, and any signs of feeding should be addressed immediately.

Rodent Tracks – Rodents often leave visible smear or grease marks along their regular routes, as they tend to follow the same paths between nests and food sources.

Faecal Matter – Rodent droppings are a clear indicator of activity. Regularly checking for these signs will help identify potential infestations early.