Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
Rats are clever, resourceful, and often go unnoticed until they’ve already made themselves at home.
Whether it’s the quiet scratching beneath your floorboards or mysterious holes in your garden, these pests can sneak in and settle fast. The good news is that once you know the signs and where to look, you can take control before it gets worse.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to deal with rats under floorboards and in your garden, what attracts them, and what you can do to keep them out for good.
To a rat, floorboards are more than just a hidden space, they’re the perfect shelter. They’re warm, dark, and safe from predators and people. When food and water are nearby, it’s even more appealing.
In gardens, the situation isn’t much different. Rats are attracted to compost bins, leftover bird feed, dense shrubs, and even pet food left outside. If your garden has a steady supply of food and places to hide, it’s an open invitation.
Old houses with gaps in the floorboards or foundations are particularly at risk. Once rats get in, they’ll start building nests fast, and they won’t be leaving on their own.
The floorboards might seem quiet during the day, but rats are mostly active at night. That’s when you’ll first notice them. One of the first signs is the sound of scratching, gnawing, or scurrying beneath your feet, especially in the evening or early morning hours.
If you have pets, they may become fixated on certain spots. Dogs will sniff or scratch the same area of the floor repeatedly. Cats will stare, stalk, or hover around floor vents.
Other signs include:
Once you suspect there’s a rat under the floorboards, it’s time to act fast. These pests multiply quickly, and a minor issue can become an infestation in no time.
Your garden can be just as vulnerable. Rats will burrow beneath sheds, decking, compost heaps, or even flower beds. You may notice small holes along fences or near the base of garden structures. These tunnels will have worn dirt paths or oily smudges around the entrances.
Look out for:
If you see any of these signs, it’s likely your garden is more than just a stopover, it could be a nesting site.
One of the worst signs of a rat problem is the unmistakable smell of a dead rat under floorboards. The smell is strong, sour, and lingers. It gets worse over time and doesn’t go away with cleaning or air fresheners.
This smell is from the natural decomposition process. It can last for several weeks, depending on the size of the rat and the temperature of the area.
If you suspect a dead rat is trapped beneath your floor, don’t pull up the boards yourself. Instead, call pest professionals who can find and remove the carcass and check for other nests or hazards.
Once you’ve identified signs of activity, the next step is to stop rats from making your home their own. Start with a thorough inspection of your floor area, look for gaps near pipework, cracks along skirting boards, and entry holes near foundations or vents.
Here’s what works:
In many cases, the space under the floorboards is too tight or difficult to access safely. That’s where expert help comes in. A local service like rat pest control London can help with targeted solutions that are safe and effective.
Rats in the garden are often the first sign of an indoor problem. The trick is to make your outdoor space as unattractive as possible to them.
Here’s what works:
For those managing rental properties, businesses, or shared garden spaces, professional commercial pest control may be the best option.
Getting rid of rats is only half the battle; keeping them away is the long-term goal. This means regular maintenance and being aware of changes around your home and garden.
Some good habits include:
It also helps to do seasonal checks. Rats seek shelter as temperatures drop or during heavy rain.
Rats under floorboards or in the garden might seem like a problem you can deal with later, but waiting only makes things worse. The sooner you act, the easier it is to prevent damage, health risks, and full-blown infestations.
Whether you’re hearing strange noises under your feet or spotting signs of burrowing outside, don’t ignore the warning signs. Simple changes can make a big difference, and if in doubt, call in the professionals and get the job done right.
For full protection, consider rat pest control London or commercial pest control. And if you have more than one pest problem, bed bug heat treatment London is also available to put your mind at ease.
Get in touch today for a
FREE INSTANT QUOTE…
