Rat & Rodent Problems
Understanding the Damage, Risks & Warning Signs
Rats and mice are among the most destructive pests in the UK. Once they enter a property, they can cause extensive structural damage, contaminate food, chew through essential wiring, and spread harmful bacteria. Whether the activity is in your loft, walls, kitchen, or drains, rodent problems rarely go away on their own, they get worse.
At DCL Pest Control, we specialise exclusively in rodent control, giving us the expertise to identify the issue quickly and eliminate it at the source. Below, we explain the real problems rats cause and what we can do to stop them.
Structural Damage
Rats are persistent gnawers, and once inside a property they can cause extensive structural damage before you even realise they’re there. From timber and insulation to pipes and cables, almost anything becomes a target as they create new pathways and nesting areas.
Much of this activity happens out of sight, which means the damage often builds up over time. Here are some of the most common forms of structural damage caused by rodents:
Even small damage can quickly escalate into expensive repairs.
Drainage & Sewer-Related Issues
Rats are strong swimmers and often access properties via defective or misaligned drains. Once inside, they follow pipe routes up into kitchens, boiler cupboards, utility rooms, or internal walls. Drainage-related rodent problems often include:
In these cases, our CCTV drain surveys identify the exact entry point so repairs can be made.
Fire & Safety Hazards
One of the most serious dangers associated with rats is their habit of chewing electrical wiring, which can expose live cables and create a significant fire risk. This kind of damage can disrupt essential systems in homes and businesses, from lighting and appliances to IT equipment and alarms.
These hazards often develop quietly in lofts, walls, or plant rooms, where the activity isn’t immediately visible. Rats often chew:
This creates fire hazards and operational disruptions, especially in businesses.
Contamination & Health Risks
Rats carry a range of harmful bacteria and parasites, making them a major threat to hygiene and public health. Their urine, droppings, and nesting materials can contaminate food and surfaces, spreading illnesses and making areas unsafe until properly treated. This is especially concerning in kitchens, food businesses, and homes with vulnerable individuals.
These are the main health risks associated with rodent activity:
Their urine and droppings create strong odours and can make areas unsafe until professionally sanitised.
Noise, Smell & Property Disturbance
Before rodents are ever seen, they are often heard — scratching, gnawing, and scuttling inside walls, lofts, and floor voids. Their presence can also be identified by strong odours, greasy marks, and sudden property disturbances that disrupt daily routines.
These signs usually indicate active nesting areas and established travel routes within the building. Here are the most common signs of rodent disturbance you may notice:
These signs almost always indicate active nesting or travel routes.
How Rats Get In… and How We Stop Them
Rats are highly adaptable and can squeeze through gaps as small as 10mm, often entering properties through cracked drains, damaged air bricks, gaps around pipework, uncapped inlets, or holes beneath extensions. Many infestations begin underground, with rats travelling through broken or misaligned drainage systems before emerging inside lofts, kitchens, or wall cavities. Because these access points are usually hidden, the first signs of a problem are often noises, droppings, or chewed materials.
At DCL Pest Control, we identify the exact entry route by carrying out a detailed property inspection and, if needed, a full CCTV drain survey. Once we understand how rodents are getting in, we remove them using safe, targeted treatments and then secure your property with professional proofing. This may include sealing gaps, installing rat flaps, repairing drainage faults, and reinforcing vulnerable areas. By eliminating both the infestation and the access point, we stop rats from returning and protect your property long term.
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Get Expert Help — Stop Rats and Mice in Their Tracks
DCL Pest Control, Rodent Prevention & Drainage Investigation Ltd specialise exclusively in rodent control and prevention, offering professional, reliable support 24/7. With years of experience and advanced investigative equipment, we tackle infestations at the source and make sure they don’t come back.
