Effective Rat Control for Property Management in London
Rats are a prevalent problem in London, with infestations posing major threats to the city’s property – driving away tenants, damaging assets, and risking reputation. Safeguard Pest Control brings over 35 years of commercial expertise to rapidly and discreetly eliminate rat issues.
Using advanced techniques tailored to each client’s needs, Safeguard removes existing rat infestations and provides ongoing prevention. With extensive experience across London, Safeguard is the trusted partner for property managers seeking effective rat control.
Why Rats Are a Problem for Your Properties
Rats pose multiple problems that can negatively impact your properties and tenants. They spread dangerous diseases through their urine and droppings, including salmonella and Weil’s disease. Infestations put everyone in the building at risk.
They can gnaw through almost any material, including wood, cinder blocks, aluminium siding, electrical wires, and pipe insulation. The resulting structural damage is costly to repair. Rats are also known to contaminate food sources and surfaces with their urine and droppings. Kitchens and food storage areas are especially problematic.
The sight and sound of rats drive away tenants, hurting occupancy and retention. Infestations can also lead to negative reviews. Rat infestations may violate health codes and building regulations. This can result in fines, lawsuits, and revoked licenses.
Spotting the Signs of Rats
Rats are adept at staying hidden, but they leave behind tell-tale signs of their presence. Be on the lookout for these common indicators that rats have infested a property:
- Droppings – Capsule-shaped faeces behind appliances or in cupboards.
- Gnaw marks – Teeth marks on wood, wires and metal. Especially around food sources.
- Tracks – Greasy rub marks along walls from fur or footprints that are visible in dust.
- Burrows – Holes with smooth edges in soil or piles of dirt outside.
- Sounds – Rustling noises in walls and ceilings as they move at night.
- Odours – Strong scent of urine and musk.
Catching infestations early makes elimination easier. Safeguard technicians are experts at identifying even the smallest signs of rat activity during thorough inspections.
Our Unmatched Rat Control Services for London
Initial inspection
We thoroughly inspect all areas of the property’s interior and exterior to identify signs of rat activity, entry points, nesting sites, and food sources.
Treatment plan
Safeguard provides you with a detailed plan of our baiting, trapping, and proofing techniques to eradicate the current infestation, alongside an estimated timeline.
Active removal
We will strategically apply rodenticides in infested areas for 2-3 weeks along with trapping and sealing up entryways the rats use.
Follow-up inspection
Once the infestation appears under control, we will re-inspect the property and apply additional measures as needed.
Proof and prevent
We will install exclusion measures and make environmental recommendations to protect the property against recurring infestations. In addition to the removal of current infestations, Safeguard offers preventative services to keep rats away long-term.
Monitor
Schedule follow-up monitoring visits on a regular basis to ensure no new activity. Most rat infestations can be fully cleared within 3-4 weeks using this process.
Preventative Measures We Recommend
Ongoing prevention is key to avoiding new infestations taking hold in the future. We advise clients on proactive measures like:
- Seal any cracks or holes inside and outside the building that could allow rodent entry. Use weather-resistant sealants and materials.
- Install door sweeps and screens over vents to block access points.
- Prune back any overgrown vegetation that could shelter rats.
- Manage trash areas by using tightly sealed bins and frequent removal.
- Eliminate outdoor food waste.
- Identify and secure food sources rats may be drawn to inside and out. Store human and pet food in chew-proof containers.
- Consider low-impact electronic or hazing deterrents around building perimeters.
With diligent prevention habits advised by our technicians, properties can stay rat-free between service visits.
Custom Protection for Your London Portfolio
We tailor our rat control contracts to match your requirements across all your London assets. Bundling multiple properties under one agreement allows us to provide attractive bulk pricing that meets your budget. The terms, response times, services and billing cycles are structured around how you prefer to manage pest control.
Your dedicated account manager gets to know all your sites and needs, acting as an integrated partner in maintaining rat-free buildings. We make it simple for you to keep tenants happy and properties compliant. No matter what your portfolio looks like, Safeguard has the experience and flexibility to customise optimal rat control protection.
Trusted Rat Experts for Over 35 Years
Accreditation & compliance
24/7 Emergency Services
Reporting for Full Visibility
PART of UK’s Top Pest Group
Can I Take Care of Rats Myself?
When rat problems first emerge, you may attempt to handle the issue yourself through DIY methods before calling in a professional pest control service. However, attempting to control rats on your own can be difficult, dangerous, and often ineffective. Trying to remove rats yourself risks exposure to diseases that rats spread.
Rats are very adaptable pests that reproduce quickly. Controlling an established infestation requires strategic baiting and trapping over time. DIY products purchased at local stores simply won’t provide the level of expertise and rigour needed. Without addressing all entry points and food sources, rats will likely return.
You also want to use the most effective yet safe products and techniques to avoid hazards. The rat poisons available to ordinary consumers are limited in strength compared to commercial-grade rodenticides.
Get Property Protection From Rats Today
Don’t let rats threaten your properties and reputation any longer. As London’s premier pest control expert, Safeguard is ready to deliver rapid, effective rat control tailored to your needs. Contact us today at 0800 328 4931 for a free quote and site assessment. Our friendly team is prepared to answer all your questions and get started protecting your portfolio from rats.