Rats in Your Home? What You Need to Know About Rat Infestations in Milton Keynes
If you’re hearing scratching in your walls, noticing droppings in your kitchen, or spotting chewed wires, there’s a good chance you may have rats in your home. At Milton Keynes Pest Control, we receive calls every week from worried homeowners in Milton Keynes, Bletchley, Newport Pagnell, Dunstable, Buckingham and surrounding areas — all dealing with the same unwelcome visitor: rats.
Why Are Rats Coming Into My House?
Rats are clever, resourceful, and always on the lookout for food and shelter. Once the weather turns cold or dry food becomes scarce outside, your home becomes the perfect place for them to thrive.
Common entry points include:
- Broken air bricks or gaps under doors
- Pipe entry points and drainage systems
- Lofts and roof gaps
- Wall cavities and floorboards
Even a hole the size of a 20p coin is big enough for a rat to squeeze through!
What Do Rats Look Like?
The most common rat species in the UK is the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus). Adults are typically 20–27cm long (plus a long tail), weigh around 300g, and have coarse brown or grey fur. You’ll usually spot them in sheds, basements, kitchens, or behind appliances.
What Are the Signs of a Rat Infestation?
Rats are mostly nocturnal, so you may not see them right away — but here’s what to look for:
- Gnawed food packaging or wires
- Rat droppings (dark, pellet-shaped, around 1–2cm long)
- Scratching or scurrying sounds in walls and ceilings
- Greasy smear marks along skirting boards
- Strong ammonia-like smell (from rat urine)
Are Rats Dangerous?
Yes — rats are not just a nuisance. They carry a range of diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weil’s Disease), Salmonella, and Rat Bite Fever. Their constant gnawing can also damage electrical cables, posing a serious fire hazard.
Can I Get Rid of Rats Myself?
DIY traps and poisons may offer temporary relief, but rats are intelligent creatures. If not handled professionally, they will likely return or move to a different area of your home. That’s why it’s best to call a licensed pest controller.
Professional Rat Control in Milton Keynes & Surrounding Areas
At Milton Keynes Pest Control, we use a targeted, proven approach to eliminate rats and block off all access points. We offer:
- Fast response times across Bletchley, Olney, Newport Pagnell, Wolverton, Tring, Buckingham, Aylesbury and Dunstable
- Professional baiting, trapping and proofing
- Long-term prevention strategies
- Affordable pricing – no hidden costs
Don’t Wait – Call the Experts
A single rat can quickly turn into a full infestation. If you think you may have rats, act fast. Get in touch with our expert team today for discreet and effective rat removal in Milton Keynes and beyond.
Contact us now or call for immediate advice and a free quote.
Q: What attracts rats into a house?
A: Rats enter homes searching for warmth, food, and water. Crumbs, bins, and even pet food can attract them. They often get in through small holes, drains, or broken vents.
Q: What are the signs of rats in the home?
A: Key signs include droppings, gnaw marks, scratching noises, greasy marks on walls, and a strong urine smell.
Q: Are rats dangerous in the home?
A: Yes. Rats spread diseases like Leptospirosis and Salmonella and can cause electrical fires by chewing wires.
Q: Do you offer rat removal near me?
A: Yes! We offer expert rat control in Milton Keynes, Newport Pagnell, Bletchley, Olney, Buckingham, Dunstable, Tring and surrounding areas.