Why Ignoring It Now Could Cost You Thousands in the Future

Just picture the situation: You’re enjoying a nice quiet evening in your home when you hear some scratching noise coming from behind your walls. A few moments later, a rat runs across your kitchen floor.

Gross? Yes.
Uncommon? Absolutely not.

Rat infestations are on the rise in London, from Hackney high-rises to Harrow semi-detacheds; and the true cost of having rats in your home is so much bigger than the expense of a chewed cable or two.

At Pestpatrol, we’ve seen first-hand that what might at first seem like a small amount of rat activity can quickly escalate into a costly disaster. As a homeowner, tenant or landlord, knowing the implications of having rats in your property can save you from finding yourself in a financially and emotionally damaging mess.

What’s the True Cost of Having a Rat Infestation?

Firstly, let’s be clear: rats are more than just an inconvenience.
They chew, spread disease and rapidly reproduce.
And what’s more, they do it in stealth mode!

By the time you notice them, it’s usually too late.

The Damage That Rats Can Do to Your Property (£200 to £5,000+)

Rats constantly gnaw on things to control the growth of their teeth—and the cost of this chewing is passed on to you, the property owner:

Chewed wires—these are serious fire hazards.
Damage and re-wiring? – easily £1,000+.
Plumbing Damage – those plastic pipes you think are secure but are actually pretty easy for rats to gnaw through, resulting in leaks and mould.

If the rats begin digging tunnels in your walls, or lofts (common in older buildings), they are going to create an even bigger problem because they may undermine the structure of your home.

Shredded flooring and furnishings—sofas, carpets and insulation are all obviouslydsgitible, therefore a prime nesting source for rats.

At Pestpatrol we’ve even seen kitchens ripped out entirely because of rat damage to the underfloor insulation.

Contamination & Clean-Up (£100 – £2,000)

Rats are not just a visit, they are a resident.
With some very dirty roommates.

Specialist Biohazard Cleaning: Usually done when a rat nest is found.

Food Waste: All food waste becomes rubbish.
Even the unopened food in the pantry.

Air Quality Problems: (Urine and faeces in the air ducts leads to respiratory problems.)

Just imagine making that cup of tea the next day on a surface rats crawled on hours earlier.
Not very appetising.

Health Risks & Health Costs

Rats are a common carrier of diseases like leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), salmonella and hantavirus.

Health Costs: Doctor visits, prescriptions, hospital stays etc.

Lost time at work, as illness also means lost income and can lose time as routines become interrupted .

At risk/most vulnerable individuals – children, elderly and those with low immunity.

The Hidden Costs Most Don’t Consider

Lost Time

Many hours spent researching a solution, setting traps, cleaning and waiting for pest control.

Mental Costs

That scratching in the walls? It creates worry which lead to people not sleeping.
Many of our Pestpatrol clients have described months of worry and disturbed sleep.

Devaluation of your property

Even a previous infestation can cause issues when selling. One mention is all it takes on a survey and buyers will lose interest, or give a low-baller offer.

Insurance Issues

Some insurance companies exclude rat damage altogether;
some may raise premiums after a rat damage claim.
Read the small print.

DIY or professional pest control: Which is better?

Very true, you can buy traps in your local store but DIY, sometimes, is unwise.
Rats are really smart and adapt all the time.
If you miss just one breeding female, you can end up right back where you started.

Why does professional pest control work out better?

• Thorough inspection of the whole property
• Identification of all entry points
• Safe and targeted extermination process
• Long-term prevention plan

Pestpatrol gives you peace of mind – and that’s the most valuable cost of all.

How to prevent a rat infestation turning into a true financial nightmare

This is what we tell, Londonders :

• Move fast, the longer you leave it, the worse (and more expensive) it gets.
• Call the professionals; Pestpatrol works throughout London, up in Barnet and down in Brixton.
• Seal access points; vents, under doors, around all pipes.
• Keep it clean; don’t leave any open food, crumbs or pet bowls lying around.
• Fix leaks; rats love water just as much as they love food!

Real Cases from Real Homes

In Camden, rats nested under a bathtub unnoticed for weeks.

A family in Wimbledon had to rewire the entire loft after rats had chewed through a live electrical cable.

In Tower Hamlets, rat infestation due purely to an unsealed drain, leading to months of reinfestation.

All started small, and all ended up with repair bills into the 4 figures.

Act before it gets worse!

Seen droppings and scratch marks at night, and smelly matter?
Don’t wait around – it’s better to be safe than sorry!

A rat issue does not only cost money.
It costs you your peace of mind, and can be very easily out of control.

Pestpatrol can help you.
We have dealt with rat infestations across all boroughs of London.
No fuss, drama or stress – we have got your pest control covered professionally and quickly.

Book your free rat inspection today, or learn more about rat control on our pest control page.

Don’t let rats take over your home, deal with an issue before costs get out of control.

Pestpatrol – London’s trusted pest control experts.