Rats can damage property, contaminate stored food and make people feel uneasy in their own home. J Alvey Pest Control provides professional rat investigation and treatment across our North West operating area. We are a family-run, BPCA-accredited business established in 1979, and we take a practical approach: work out where the activity is coming from, deal with the current problem and explain what may help to stop it returning.
Signs that it is time to call
You may see a rat, but often the first signs are droppings, gnaw marks, damaged food packaging, a musty smell or scratching sounds in a wall, ceiling or outbuilding. Activity around bird food, bins, sheds and garden boundaries can also be relevant. These signs do not always show how many rats are present or where they entered, so an on-site assessment is more useful than guessing from one clue.
Please tell us where and when you noticed the activity. Access notes, photographs and details of any previous treatment can help us prepare for the visit.
How our rat treatment works
We inspect the affected areas and look for likely harbourage, food sources, routes and entry points. Treatment is then selected for the property and may use traps, professional baiting or a combination of methods. We also give practical prevention and proofing advice where an entry point or attractant can be identified.
Domestic rodent problems are usually resolved over two or three visits. Follow-up matters because it lets us check activity, adjust the treatment and remove or refresh equipment where needed. We will explain the next step after each visit rather than promising that every property can be dealt with in one attendance.
Preparing for a safe, useful visit
Make the affected rooms, loft, garage, shed or garden area accessible where it is safe to do so. Keep children and pets away from droppings and do not move any traps or bait stations once treatment has begun. Please mention pets, vulnerable occupants and any area that cannot be accessed when booking. Follow the instructions given at the property and read our pest treatment safety information.
Price and booking
Domestic rodent investigation and treatment is currently priced at £65 per visit and usually requires two to three visits. Online appointments are requests: we review the address, access information and route before confirming. Add the activity location and any access restrictions to your booking so we can plan the right visit.
Rat control FAQs
Can you help with rats in a garden or outbuilding?
Yes. Tell us exactly where activity has been seen so we can assess the surrounding food sources, shelter and likely routes as well as the immediate problem.
What if I am not sure whether it is a rat or a mouse?
Book the domestic rodent service and describe the evidence. You can also use our rodent identification tool. We will confirm the appropriate approach after inspection.
Do you provide mouse control too?
Yes. Read about our mouse control service or use the same domestic rodent booking option.
Request a rat-control appointment online, or contact us if you need advice before booking.