Despite good standards of hygiene and proofing, infestations sometimes occur. If rats have entered your home and are causing a problem, it will be necessary to remove them.
Does the council remove rats for free?
Whilst some councils offer a free service, there is generally a fee for pest control. If you're on a low income, you may be eligible for a discount.
You will need to make contact with the Environmental Health Department of your local council to report the problem and find out what applies in your area.
How much does it cost to remove rats professionally?
When looking for a pest control experts, remember that not all services offer a fixed and convenient time for solving the problem.
- Local council (excluding free service): between £10 and £68
- Private firms: between £41 and £229
Ways to get rid of rats
There are many ways to get rid of rats, ranging from humane removal to lethal methods.
Humane methods
Pets
Having pets around, especially cats and dogs, should persuade rats that it's not worth the risk to make your house their home. Bear in mind that cats might also have other thoughts on humane rat disposal!
Humane cage traps
This device captures the rat for release elsewhere. Once caught, you will need to relocate the rat by taking it at least a quarter of a mile from your home.
Electromagnetic and ultrasonic devices
These are simply plugged into a wall socket; the sound emitted is only heard by the rodents. These do not bother dogs, but they will affect pets such as hamsters or gerbils.
An outdoor repeller can also be used. These have a motion detector which when triggered emits a powerful burst of ultrasound, harmlessly scaring the rats away. This device may however bother other pets.
Lethal methods
Electronic rat removal
Rats are attracted to the unit by bait. Once they enter the trap a footplate is depressed which triggers an electric volt. The trap is designed so that the body can be emptied into a bin.
Traps
These come in various sizes and forms, the most well known being the spring-loaded type. This method can be cruel to the rodent (limbs and tails can become trapped rather than instantaneous death occurring) and you may have to kill the rat yourself once it's caught. You will also need to dispose of the carcass.
If choosing to use a spring-loaded trap, make sure that you buy one specifically made for rats. A trap that's too weak could lead to unnecessary suffering and you may again have to kill the rat yourself.
Do not be tempted to use glue traps. These are inhumane, inefficient and pose a danger to pets and other animals.
Chemicals
Be aware that this method involves rodenticides/poisons which are inhumane and highly toxic to humans and animals.
The rats may die in hard to reach areas of your home, preventing you from disposing of them and causing greater hygienic issues.
There is also the risk that pets or other animals might consume the poison or eat a poisoned rat, resulting in illness and even death.
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