MG Pest Control has been resolving rat problems for years.

What works:

1. Asking them to leave.....didn't work for John Wayne (in True Grit) 'a rat writ, writ for a rat'. The rat didn't pay any attention to him.

2. Sonic plugs - NO (why do we visit so many places with these plugs, that still have rodents?).

3. Proofing - works but a limited effect. Noting rats can chew through most stuff - e.g. bricks, plasterboard, plastic, even lead pipe (which is metal). Rat problems in homes, 90% of the time it relates to a fault with the waste system. If you can't see an obvious entry point externally, then there's a good chance there's a fault in the waste system under your home somewhere. Then it's finding the right person to find the hole in the system. Many drain contractors aren't great at this, be careful. Make sure you use one that has experience at this kind of work (we know of a few - call us to find out more). If you are linked to other homes, a flat, or semi, or terrace, then you need to get other residents involved. The fault could be in their part of the building (rats don't do door numbers, they do buildings).

4. Traps - You might catch some, but you can't resolve a rat problem with just traps.

5. Good housekeeping - control food, plus waste, and eliminate any rubbish, debris build up or other harbourage. Rats are very attracted to an easy meal, and also love hiding and nesting in secure places.

6. Rat Poison - works every time. But, only if you know where to put it, how much, and what type. Downside is you might get a rat die somewhere you can't get to it. This leads to smells and flies, but that will pass after a week or two. Better than a live rat, chewing things and breeding.

7. Shooting them - limited as to where you can do that, as Chin Lee told the Duke. Even John Wayne's character, Rooster, still had a rat problem, as he could only shoot the ones that sat right in front of him.

8. Experience at controlling rats - this is vital.

9. Follow the CRRU code of best practice - this really does work, and is essential to effective pest control. Note the link below on using legal pest control.

SUMMARY - MG Pest Control have found through our years out there controlling rats in all environments - you need a combination of:

Poison - the right type used in the right way.

Proofing - locating the right places to proof, and right time - i.e. try not to proof the rats in - kill them first where possible.  NOTE - if no obvious external entry points, then the sewer system (foul or storm) may need surveying. Remember what we said above re sewer systems (90% of the time this is how rats enter buildings).

Good housekeeping. Controlling waste food is vital.

Experience at controlling rats - to know what you are doing when it comes to rats.

AND - you must Follow the CRRU code of best practice - to stay safe, legal, and not harm non target animals.

If you have a rat problem and need urgent help. If based in Essex, Kent or London - call MG Pest Control for a professional rat solution.