How to Get Rid of Rats in Dewsbury
Finding rats on your property is stressful — they chew wiring, contaminate food and spread disease. If you need to get rid of rats in Dewsbury, acting quickly and following proven methods is essential. Below we explain the practical steps homeowners and businesses can take, and when to bring in professional help from Pest Exterminator Leeds.
Step 1 — Identify the problem
Before you act, confirm you’re dealing with rats (not mice). Common signs include:
- Large, rice-shaped droppings (bigger than mouse droppings)
- Nocturnal scratching or scurrying sounds in walls, lofts or under floors
- Gnawed plastic, timber, cardboard or wiring
- Burrows in garden areas, under sheds or decking
- Greasy rub marks where rodents run
Step 2 — Remove attractions
Rats come because they can find food, water and shelter. Reduce attractions immediately:
- Secure bins with tight lids and keep them away from walls
- Store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers
- Remove piles of wood, debris or long grass where rats nest
- Fix leaking taps and remove standing water
- Clear compost heaps or use rodent-proof compost bins
Step 3 — Use Targeted Control
For small problems you can try DIY measures, but always use them safely and legally. Common approaches:
- Traps: Snap traps placed correctly can be effective — place in runways, behind objects and near droppings.
- Bait stations: Secure tamper-proof bait boxes reduce risk to pets and children (follow product instructions).
- Live capture: Not recommended for most homeowners — can cause stress and relocation may be illegal or ineffective.
Step 4 — Proof your property
To stop reinfestation, seal entry points and make your property less accessible:
- Fill gaps around pipes, vents and doors with steel wool, mortar or metal flashing
- Fit door sweeps and repair damaged vents
- Secure gaps in shed floors and under decking
When to call a professional
Call Pest Exterminator Leeds if:
- The infestation is extensive (multiple signs across the property)
- You have a commercial premises or food business (legal compliance required)
- DIY attempts have not worked
- There are safety concerns around baiting (pets, children, vulnerable people)
Professionals provide a full survey, safe and legal treatments, proofing and monitoring — and documentation for businesses and landlords.
Safe disposal and hygiene
Rats can carry pathogens. After any control work:
- Wear gloves when handling traps or cleaning droppings
- Disinfect surfaces with household bleach solution or a specialist disinfectant
- Wash hands thoroughly and launder any contaminated fabrics
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How long does it take to get rid of rats?
Small infestations can be reduced in days, but fully clearing an established colony and proofing may take several weeks. Professionals often achieve results faster due to experience and equipment.
2. Are bait stations safe around pets?
When used correctly, tamper-proof bait stations minimise risk to pets and children. If you have concerns, inform the technician so they can choose the safest method.
3. Can I exclude rats myself?
Yes — basic proofing (sealing gaps, fitting door brushes) is DIY-friendly. For structural gaps or extensive proofing, a professional is recommended.
4. Will removing food sources alone solve the problem?
Removing food helps but rarely eliminates an established infestation alone. Combining hygiene, trapping/baiting and proofing is the most reliable approach.
5. Do you provide commercial rat control for Dewsbury businesses?
Yes — we offer HACCP-friendly programmes, monitoring logs and audit documentation for restaurants, hotels, warehouses and other commercial sites. Contact us for a site survey.
