Rat Control in Southwark
35 minutes response · SE1, SE5, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE21, SE22
Southwark's riverside was warehousing long before it was flats, and the conversions kept the original structure — thick walls, deep voids and service runs that were never designed to be sealed. Borough Market and the Bermondsey food scene sit in the middle of it. Further south the borough opens out into the Victorian streets of Peckham and Camberwell and the parkland around Dulwich.
Rats in Southwark
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 Southwark sees them
- Borough Market and Bermondsey food waste
- Warehouse conversions with unsealed structural voids
- Thames-side and dock rodent pressure
- Parkland edges bringing foxes and squirrels into gardens
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 Southwark are typically warehouse and wharf conversions, victorian terraces and conversions, market and food-trade 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 Southwark
Rat Control nearby
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can you treat rats in Southwark?
We reach most addresses in Southwark within 35 minutes, covering SE1, SE5, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE21, SE22. 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 Southwark?
Borough Market and Bermondsey food waste, and Warehouse conversions with unsealed structural voids. Combined with the local property mix — warehouse and wharf conversions and victorian terraces and conversions — this gives rats the harbourage and access they need.
Do you cover the whole of Southwark?
Yes. We cover every street in Southwark across SE1, SE5, SE15, SE16, SE17, SE21, SE22, including Borough Market, Tower Bridge, Peckham Rye. Call 07727 053568 to book.