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 →Rats rarely arrive for no reason. Something nearby is feeding them or sheltering them, and a treatment only holds up once that is dealt with too. We explain what we find in plain language and tell you what you can do to help.
Why older buildings in Totnes suit rats
Totnes is a historic market town on the River Dart, and much of the centre is made up of older buildings. Over the decades these develop small gaps where pipes enter the walls, around old airbricks, under floorboards and where extensions meet the original structure. A rat can squeeze through a hole far smaller than most people expect, and once inside it will follow cables and pipework through voids.
In the town centre, shared walls and yards mean a rat problem in one unit can easily affect its neighbours. Cafes and independent shops with food waste, storage areas and bin yards are natural targets. We check drains, bin storage, cellars and roof spaces, and we talk to neighbouring occupiers where it helps, because a single treated property can only do so much on its own.
How we deal with rats safely
After a thorough inspection in Totnes we agree a plan with you. That usually means baiting and trapping in a controlled way, with bait placed in tamper-resistant stations or hidden spots so that pets, children and wildlife cannot reach it. We tell you exactly where everything is, and we collect it at the end of the job.
Treatment on its own is only half the work. We look for the routes rats use, seal what can be sealed, and recommend repairs to damaged drain covers, gaps around pipes and loose roof tiles. We will not promise a result we cannot control, but proofing and tidy habits make a return far less likely, and we say so honestly.
Rural homes around Totnes
Beyond the centre, the countryside around Totnes brings its own pressures. Gardens with compost heaps, chicken runs, outbuildings and stored feed all attract rats, and burrows often appear along fences, under sheds and beside hedgerows. If you live in TQ9 and notice holes in the lawn or rustling in the loft, get in touch. We also cover Dartmouth and Longcombe, so a short journey is rarely a problem.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if the noise in my Totnes house is rats or mice?
Rats are heavier and louder, often heard thumping or scrabbling in walls and lofts at night. Their droppings are larger than mouse droppings, and they leave greasy smears along runs. If you are unsure, we can inspect and tell you what is there.
Will rat treatment be safe for my dog or cat?
Yes, we plan around it. Bait goes in secured stations or places animals cannot reach, and we show you where everything sits. Tell us about pets and children when you call, and we will adjust the method to suit your household.
Can rats get into old stone and brick buildings?
Yes. Older walls often have gaps around pipes, vents and floor edges, and rats exploit them easily. We look for those entry points during the inspection and recommend proofing where it is practical, so the problem does not simply come back.