Rat Control in Soho
20 minutes response · W1D, W1F
Soho has more kitchens per acre than anywhere in Britain, nearly all of them working out of cramped basements with waste stored at street level overnight. That combination — food below ground, refuse on the pavement, buildings sharing party walls — makes it the hardest square mile in London for rodent and cockroach control, and the reason almost all our Soho work happens between closing and opening.
Rats in Soho
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 — or browse everything we treat across Westminster.
Why Soho sees them
- Extreme density of commercial kitchens
- Street-level overnight waste storage
- Shared party walls between premises
- Treatment restricted to a few hours before opening
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 Soho are typically basement restaurant kitchens, bars and late-night venues, flats above commercial premises, 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 Soho
Rat Control nearby
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat rats in Soho?
We reach most addresses in Soho within 20 minutes, covering W1D, W1F. 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 Soho?
Extreme density of commercial kitchens, and Street-level overnight waste storage. Combined with the local property mix — basement restaurant kitchens and bars and late-night venues — this gives rats the harbourage and access they need.
Do you cover the whole of Soho?
Yes. We cover every street in Soho across W1D, W1F, including Old Compton Street, Berwick Street Market, Carnaby Street. Call 07727 053568 to book.