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 →If you have found droppings in a cupboard, heard activity in the roof, or been told by a neighbour that rats are about, we can inspect and explain what is going on before suggesting any work.
Empty properties and the quiet-season problem
A holiday home that is shut up for weeks gives rats peace and warmth. They may gnaw through stored linen, packaging, cables or insulation, and the damage is sometimes only discovered when the next guests arrive. Keys held by managing agents make early checks easier, and a short walk-round for droppings and chewed items is worth doing.
When we are called to a Salcombe holiday home, we look at the loft, the void beneath floors, the kitchen and any outbuildings, then check the outside for gaps and burrows. If the property is going to be empty again, we can discuss which entry points to seal so the building is less welcoming next time.
Waterfront businesses and the estuary edge
Life beside the estuary in Salcombe means boats, quays, bins and plenty of shared walls. Food outlets, boat stores and chandlery-style premises all create corners where rats find food or shelter. They also travel along sea walls, drains and the base of hedges, so a problem seen at one address may not be limited to it.
For businesses, we aim for treatment that fits around trade. Bait and traps go in secured stations out of sight, and we log where they are. We pay attention to waste handling and delivery areas, because small habits there often decide whether rats keep returning.
Steep streets and older houses
The steep, narrow streets of Salcombe (TQ8) mean many houses sit on terraces with shared roof lines and walls built in layers over time. That creates cavities where rats can travel unseen between properties. We check pipe entries, vents, eaves and the ground around foundations. We also work in Dartmouth and Ivybridge, so call us whichever side of the estuary you are on.
Frequently asked questions
How can I check my Salcombe holiday home for rats while it is empty?
Look for droppings, gnawed packaging, chewed cables, greasy marks along walls and any burrows near outside walls. A musty animal smell is another clue. If you cannot visit, ask your managing agent to do a quick walk-round.
Are rats in a loft dangerous for the house?
They can be a problem. Rats gnaw wood, pipes and electrical cables, and they foul insulation. Acting early limits damage. We inspect, deal with the rats and look for the gaps they used to get in.
Will treating rats near the water harm local wildlife?
We take care over where bait is placed. Stations are secured and positioned so that other animals cannot reach them, and we collect them when the job ends. Tell us about pets and any nearby wildlife concerns when you call.