Kensington and Chelsea is our home borough — our office on Hans Crescent sits a few doors from Harrods, so most addresses here see a technician within half an hour. The borough's stucco terraces, mansion blocks and deep basement conversions are beautiful buildings with a common weakness: interconnected voids, shared service risers and original drainage that lets pests move between properties without ever crossing open ground.
Rats in Kensington and Chelsea
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 Kensington and Chelsea sees them
- Victorian drainage shared between adjoining houses
- Deep basement kitchens with limited natural ventilation
- Communal risers in mansion blocks carrying pests between flats
- High turnover of short lets and serviced apartments
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 Kensington and Chelsea are typically stucco-fronted terraces, mansion blocks, basement and lower-ground conversions, 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 Kensington and Chelsea
Rat Control nearby
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat rats in Kensington and Chelsea?
We reach most addresses in Kensington and Chelsea within 30 minutes, covering SW1, SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10, W8, W10, W11, W14. 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 Kensington and Chelsea?
Victorian drainage shared between adjoining houses, and Deep basement kitchens with limited natural ventilation. Combined with the local property mix — stucco-fronted terraces and mansion blocks — this gives rats the harbourage and access they need.
Do you cover the whole of Kensington and Chelsea?
Yes. We cover every street in Kensington and Chelsea across SW1, SW3, SW5, SW7, SW10, W8, W10, W11, W14, including Harrods, Kensington Palace, Natural History Museum. Call 07727 053568 to book.

