Rat Control in City of London
25 minutes response · EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4
The Square Mile is built on layers — medieval cellars beneath Victorian foundations beneath modern towers — and pests use every one of them. Smithfield's meat trade and the bar and restaurant strip around Liverpool Street and Farringdon generate the food waste; the older infrastructure underneath provides the harbourage. Nearly all our work here happens outside trading hours, fully documented for EHO inspection.
Rats in City of London
Brown rats and black rats are London's most serious pest problem, causing extensive property damage and health risks. For a full breakdown of the species, the health risks and every treatment option, see our rats guide.
Why City of London sees them
- Layered historic substructure providing deep harbourage
- Smithfield meat trade and associated waste
- Strict EHO documentation requirements
- Treatment restricted to nights and weekends
Signs to look for
- Droppings (12-18mm long, dark brown)
- Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, cables
- Scratching sounds in walls/ceilings
- Grease marks along walls
- Strong ammonia-like odor
How we treat rats here
Professional baiting systems with rodenticides, followed by proofing and monitoring
Properties in City of London are typically office buildings and trading floors, restaurant and bar basements, the barbican estate, which shapes how we approach access and proofing. Every treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Areas we cover
Other pests we treat in City of London
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat rats in City of London?
We reach most addresses in City of London within 25 minutes, covering EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4. For rats specifically we aim to attend within 2-4 hours of your call, and we run a 24/7 line for urgent cases.
How much does rat treatment cost?
Rats treatment starts from £149. The final price depends on the size of the property and the extent of the infestation, and we confirm it in writing after the survey — there is no call-out charge.
How do I know if I have rats?
The most reliable signs are: Droppings (12-18mm long, dark brown); Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, cables; Scratching sounds in walls/ceilings; Grease marks along walls. If you are seeing any of these, book a survey rather than waiting — rats rarely resolve on their own.
How do you treat rats?
Professional baiting systems with rodenticides, followed by proofing and monitoring Our success rate on rats is 95%, and treatment includes a follow-up visit and a written prevention plan.
Are rats dangerous?
Rats are rated high risk. The main health concerns are weil's disease (leptospirosis), salmonella food poisoning, hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. They can also cause electrical wire damage causing fire risk.
How can I stop rats coming back?
Seal holes larger than 6mm; Remove food sources and water; Trim vegetation away from buildings. We include a prevention plan with every treatment and can arrange scheduled monitoring for properties that have had repeat problems.
Why are rats common in City of London?
Layered historic substructure providing deep harbourage, and Smithfield meat trade and associated waste. Combined with the local property mix — office buildings and trading floors and restaurant and bar basements — this gives rats the harbourage and access they need.
Do you cover the whole of City of London?
Yes. We cover every street in City of London across EC1, EC2, EC3, EC4, including Smithfield Market, Barbican Centre, Bank. Call 07727 053568 to book.