How professional rat control works, step by step

Fact-checked against 3 sources · Updated 20 September 2026

Step 1: The call

You describe what you have noticed: noises, droppings, burrows, gnaw marks, and where and when. Good questions from the technician at this stage (Is it indoors or outdoors? How long has it been going on? Are there children or pets?) help them plan. Have your postcode ready, and tell them about any vulnerable people or animals.

Step 2: The survey

A proper survey looks beyond the spot where you saw droppings. The technician inspects the loft, walls, outbuildings, garden and drains, looking for:

• signs of activity: droppings, runs, smear marks, gnawing and burrows;
• entry points and the routes rats use;
• food, water and shelter that attract them;
• whether it is rats or mice, and roughly how big the problem is.

See what to expect in the loft on our loft rat removal page, or in gardens on garden rat control.

Step 3: A written plan and price

After the survey, the technician should explain what they found, the treatment they propose, how many visits it will take, and the price. Ask for it in writing, with what is included, and see our cost guide for what affects the price.

Step 4: Treatment

Modern professional pest control follows the principles of integrated pest management: prevention and proofing first, then trapping, and rodenticides used responsibly where they are shown to be needed. The UK Government’s stewardship principles for rodenticides describe this as a hierarchy of risk controls, with responsible use of poison and measures to protect wildlife and reduce resistance.

• Bait or traps are placed along the routes rats actually use, not at random.
• Tamper-resistant bait stations keep bait away from children, pets and wildlife.
• The technician tells you where everything is, and how to keep children and pets away.

Step 5: Follow-up visits

Rats are wary of new objects, so it can take days before they feed on bait. Follow-up visits check what has been eaten, top up or move stations, and confirm activity has stopped. Typically there is at least one follow-up, and more for a large problem. Skipping follow-ups is the commonest reason treatments fail.

Step 6: Proofing and aftercare

Once activity has stopped, entry points are sealed and you get advice on food, waste, compost and shelter, so rats don’t return. See rat proofing and our prevention checklist. Dead rats and any bait remaining are removed safely.

How to prepare for the visit

• Make sure the technician can get into the loft, garden, sheds and any affected rooms.
• Move stored items away from walls and access hatches if you can do so safely.
• Tell them about children, pets, chickens, and anyone vulnerable.
• Note when and where you have seen or heard activity.
• Keep pets away from the areas being treated.

Do I have to leave the house?

Usually not. Bait is placed in secured stations, and you can stay at home. Follow the technician’s advice about pets, children and food preparation areas.

How long does it take?

Most residential treatments take a couple of weeks from the first visit to the all-clear, with follow-ups in between. Larger or long-standing problems take longer. Ask the technician for an estimate after the survey.

How rat control works: common questions

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.