Advice
Signs of Rats in Your Home or Garden and What to Do
Rats are secretive and mostly active at night, so the signs they leave behind are often the first and clearest way to know they are there.
Read the guide →We provide rat control for homes, farms and businesses in Okehampton and the EX20 area, using careful methods that put safety first. Whether you have heard a noise in the roof or found a burrow in the garden, we will explain what we find in plain terms.
Colder weather pushes rats indoors
On the moor edge, autumn and winter are noticeably colder, and rats look for warmer, drier spaces as temperatures drop. Lofts, wall voids, garages and the space beneath outbuildings all become attractive, particularly if a little food is available nearby.
If you live in Okehampton and begin hearing scratching in the autumn, do not leave it. A few rats in a loft can damage insulation, chew cables and contaminate stored items. Early treatment is simpler, and it limits how much damage you have to put right afterwards.
Farms, stables and outbuildings
Working land close to Okehampton means feed stores, stables, barns and sheds are within reach of many homes. Animal feed, grain and bedding provide both food and shelter, and rats can move easily between yards and nearby houses.
Where we are called to a property with animals, we check feed storage, water points and the layout of buildings, then plan treatment around livestock, horses and dogs. Simple steps such as metal bins with tight lids and sweeping up spilt feed daily make a real difference.
Keeping the job safe and thorough
Our visit in Okehampton starts with an inspection to find activity and entry points. Baiting and trapping are positioned so pets, children and other animals cannot reach them, and we follow up to check progress. We then talk through proofing, such as sealing gaps around pipes and eaves, and what to tidy up outside so rats find less to stay for. We also cover Crediton, Sourton and Chagford.
Frequently asked questions
Why do I get more rats in autumn near Okehampton?
As it gets colder, rats look for warmth and shelter, and food becomes harder to find outside. Buildings offer both. Checking for gaps before autumn and keeping food stored securely can reduce the chance of them coming in. We can also look at which parts of your property are most exposed.
Can you treat rats around horses and livestock?
Yes, with careful planning. We place bait and traps where animals cannot reach, and we explain the layout so you know where everything is. Please tell us what animals are on site before we begin.
Are rats in the loft a risk to my insulation and wiring?
They can be. Rats tear up insulation for nesting and gnaw cables and pipes. If you have heard noises in your loft, get it checked, and have any chewed wiring looked at by an electrician.