With an estimated 83 million rats across the British Isles, rat infestations are on the rise, leaving many Edinburgh residents facing structural damage and health risks.
From chewing through insulation and wiring to spreading dangerous diseases like hantavirus and leptospirosis, rats are resilient pests that require professional intervention.
At Edinburgh Pest Control Co, we specialise in effective, tailored rat and rodent control solutions to safeguard your property and health. Whether you’re dealing with the hardy brown rat or the rarer black rat, our local experts use proven techniques to eliminate infestations and prevent future invasions. With decades of experience and pest control Edinburgh technicians based throughout East of Scotland, we’re always nearby to provide fast and reliable service.
Call us today on 0131 322 1291 for a free survey or expert advice, and let us help you reclaim your space from these unwelcome guests.
Rat Species in Edinburgh
Brown Rats
Brown rats are by far the most common rat in the United Kingdom, and one of only two. In fact, outside of specific regions, it is very rare to come across rat activity which is not down to this species.
These rats are found all over the world, in no small part due to their ability to produce upwards of sixty young per year. They are also incredibly hardy, requiring only some shelter and food to survive.
Brown rats are talented burrowers, climbers, and swimmers. Without professional help, it will be near-impossible to guarantee they will not access your property.
Black Rats
Black rats are considerably rarer than their light-coloured cousins. In fact, most pest control technicians will work their whole career having never come across one.
Most exist in port towns, arriving from abroad, but it is not unheard of for them to venture further inland and cause problems.
When your property is infested by black rats they will breed quickly, producing anywhere from 40-70 young annually. They will also eat just about anything we will eat, as well as a lot of material we cannot.
Dangers of a rat infestation
Rat infestations in Edinburgh are a serious threat to public health for the following reasons:
Diseases they carry
As mentioned, rats are infamous disease carriers. Of the many illnesses they can host, these are the most common ones:
Hantavirus
Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome (HPS) is a potentially fatal respiratory disease. The virus can hit even healthy individuals very hard, and, crucially, it is highly infectious. It will result in aches, pains, and flu-like symptoms.
Leptospirosis
Rat urine is home to Leptospirosis, a disease which can result in dangerous symptoms such as jaundice, chronic vomiting, and diarrhoea.
Rat-Bite Fever
When cornered, rats will enter fight mode and lunge at even large humans. This can happen suddenly, for example if you accidentally come upon them. Their saliva can hold many diseases, including the dangerous rat-bite fever.
How do they spread these diseases?
Food Sources
Rats are incredibly resourceful and keen foragers. When rats infest your property, they will find and consume all but the most secure stored food. As they feed, they will excrete faeces and urine, leaving contagions all over the food making it unsafe for human consumption.
Water Supply
Rat activity will leave water supplies full on contagions. If rats enter a pipe system or water reservoir, they will leave behind faeces and urine. Otherwise, they will simply drown, leaving an infectious carcass in the water.
Airborne Particles
Rat behaviour will result in many infectious airborne particles spreading around your property. Any disturbed excretion or nesting material will result in danger for nearby persons, and the problem is significantly more dangerous if the particles gain access to ventilation systems.
Insect Bites
Rats are home to a variety of disease spreading lice and fleas. These insects will carry diseases of their own, and will pick up others from biting the rodent itself. When these insects turn their sites on humans, they will commonly infect their target.
Rat control from Edinburgh Pest Control Co.
Rats are hardy creatures which can survive on very little while producing an overwhelming amount of young. Eradicating rats from your property is only half the battle.
As such, our sales representatives while carry out a comprehensive risk assessment of your property in order to identify why rats have become a problem.
Every pest situation is different, and a cookie cutter policy will never address all of your unique issues. Our technicians will put into place a plan which is suitable not only for your specific circumstances, but also your budget.
With our decades of experience in the business, we understand rat behaviour which is essential when it comes to dealing with them effectively. They are exceptional survivors, and trap equipment have to be installed in specific ways to have any chance of success.
After the rats in the property have been dealt with, we can then install preventative measures which will safeguard you against any further unwelcome invasions. We will also advise on additional measures you can take to ensure a pest-free facility.
We will work with you to come up with the most cost-effective and efficient method of bringing about the desired result. With technicians based around Edinburgh and the East Coast, one of our talented employees will never be far away.
Get in Touch
For a rapid response to your pest problem call Edinburgh Pest Control Co today on 0131 322 1291 for a FREE Survey or advice.
Alternatively, fill in our contact form and one of our sales representatives will be in touch as soon as possible.
