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 keep things simple: find out where the rats are, find how they are getting in, then deal with them safely and block the routes.
A seaside town with homes spreading inland
Paignton has a long seafront, plenty of holiday accommodation, a harbour and family homes spreading inland. Food outlets along the front and the bins that come with them can draw rats, and from there they find their way along drains and into nearby gardens and outbuildings.
In the residential streets, we often see rats attracted by the usual household things: compost heaps, open or damaged bins, garden food scraps and pet food left outside. A few small habit changes, alongside proper treatment, make a noticeable difference.
What we look for during an inspection
Our technician checks lofts, under floors, kitchens, garages, sheds and the garden. We look for droppings, gnaw marks, greasy rub marks along edges and burrows beside walls and paths. We also check the drains and anywhere that pipes or cables pass through walls.
Once we know what is going on, we explain the findings and put together a plan. Baiting and trapping are placed carefully and out of reach of pets and children. We follow up to see how things are going and make sure the entry points have been dealt with. That is how we work throughout Paignton.
Covering Paignton and the bay
We take calls across Paignton and the TQ3 and TQ4 postcodes. Holiday lets and short-stay homes get particular attention, as rats can settle in quickly when a property is empty between guests. We also cover Torquay, Brixham and Cockington. If you are unsure whether it is rats, tell us what you have seen or heard and we will point you the right way.
Frequently asked questions
Can rats get into a holiday let that is empty for weeks?
Yes. An empty property can still offer shelter and warmth, and any stored food or open bins nearby may attract them. Regular checks and sealed gaps help, and we can inspect if you suspect activity.
Is it rats or mice making noise in my Paignton loft?
Heavier thumping and scratching usually points to rats, while light, quick scurrying suggests mice. Droppings help too, as rat droppings are larger. An inspection will confirm the answer.
What should I do before the technician arrives?
Keep pets and children away from the areas where you have noticed activity, and do not disturb nests or droppings. Make a note of where and when you hear noises, as that helps us find the problem quickly.