Checked 19 September 2026. The council’s own pest control page says: “We do not offer a pest control service.” It directs residents to the British Pest Control Association to find a company. Council services change, so check the page if you’re reading this later.
What the council will and won’t do
If you have rats in your own home, garden or shed, the council won’t send someone to treat them. You need to book a private pest-control technician, and the cost is yours (or your landlord’s, if you rent — see below).
Where the council does come in is when the problem isn’t on your own property. Its guidance is to let your neighbour know first. If they’re unhelpful, you can call the council for advice on 01636 650 000 (Customer Services; the council lists Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm). If the problem is at a business premises, the council points people to its food complaints page or its contact form.
So who does treat rats in Newark?
Private pest-control technicians. Some are national companies with a local branch; others are independent one-person businesses based in and around Newark-on-Trent. The council’s own advice is to look for a company through the British Pest Control Association, the industry body.
Whoever you choose, it’s worth asking before you book:
- What is the total price, and is it in writing? Agree it before any work starts, and ask what is and isn’t included.
- How many visits are included? Proper rat control usually involves a first treatment plus at least one follow-up.
- Where will the bait go? Bait should be in secured stations, especially if you have children, pets or wildlife around.
- Will they look for the entry point? Treating rats without finding and sealing how they got in means they tend to come back.
You can read more about what a proper visit involves on our loft rat removal, garden rat control and rat proofing pages, or call the number on this site and we’ll point you to an independent local technician.
Roughly what does it cost?
Typical UK prices for a standard rat treatment run roughly £125–£320, depending on how big the problem is, where the rats are and how many visits are needed. This site doesn’t set prices: the technician who attends agrees the price with you directly.
If you rent your home
Report rats to your landlord or letting agent in writing as soon as you notice them and keep a copy. Landlords have responsibilities for the condition of a rented home, and pests can be part of that. Don’t assume you have to pay for treatment yourself — ask first.
If the rats seem to be coming from a drain or sewer
Rats using a public sewer are generally a matter for your water and sewerage company rather than the council or a private technician. If you see rats coming up through a drain, or hear them in a pipe, report it to the water company and mention it to whoever treats your property.
If the rats are coming from next door
Start with a friendly conversation and keep a written record. Our step-by-step guide to rats coming from next door covers what to do if that doesn’t work.
Common questions
Does Newark council offer free rat treatment?
No. The council’s own website states that it does not offer a pest control service. You would need to book a private pest-control company; the council suggests using the British Pest Control Association to find one.
Who do I call about rats in Newark-on-Trent?
For rats in your own home or garden, a private rat-control technician. For a problem coming from someone else’s property, speak to your neighbour first, then call Newark & Sherwood District Council’s Customer Services on 01636 650 000 for advice.
Can the council make my neighbour deal with rats?
The council’s first step is advice, and it asks you to tell your neighbour first. Whether it takes formal action depends on the circumstances, so keep dates and photographs of what you’ve seen and ask the council what it can do in your case.
Is it worth trying to get rid of rats myself?
Amateur treatment often fails, because it deals with the rats you can see but not the way in. Bait also has to be secured away from children, pets and wildlife. If you do try anything yourself, follow the label exactly, and call a professional if activity continues.
This site connects households and businesses in the Newark-on-Trent area with an independent local rat-control technician. We are not the servicing contractor and do not carry out treatment ourselves. See our terms & disclosure.