Rat control in Havering
Treat brown rats in and around buildings, and find the drain defects or gaps that let them in. We cover homes, rented properties and businesses across Havering, including Romford, Gidea Park, Hornchurch and Elm Park.
Where rats turn up in Havering
Detached and semi-detached houses with gardens in Upminster, Hornchurch and Gidea Park
Compost heaps, bird feeders, sheds and the space under decking give rats food and nesting sites right beside the house.
Interwar and post-war terraced houses in Harold Hill, Collier Row and Elm Park
Old clay drains, broken air bricks and suspended timber floors give rats routes from the sewer and back yard into older terraced homes.
Market stalls, shopping centres and high streets in Romford and Hornchurch
Service yards, loading bays and basement stores give rats cover and access behind shops, offices and warehouses, often out of daily view.
Restaurants, bars and takeaways in Romford, Hornchurch and Upminster
Food waste, deliveries and back-of-house bin areas draw rats to restaurants, takeaways and markets, where a single sighting can threaten a hygiene rating.
Homes near marshes and river valleys in Rainham, Elm Park and South Hornchurch
Riverbanks, canal edges and sewers are natural rat habitat, and brown rats swim well enough to follow drains into nearby buildings.
Homes near country parks and farmland in Harold Hill, Collier Row and Upminster
Dense vegetation, banks that are easy to burrow into and food left by visitors support rats at the edges of parks and open spaces.
Signs to look for
Large droppings
Dark, spindle-shaped droppings around 10–14 mm long, often in groups along walls, near bins or in lofts.
Burrows and runs
Holes in soil banks, under decking, sheds or paving, with worn paths through grass and greasy smears along walls where rats travel.
Gnawing damage
Chewed doors, skirting, pipes, cables or bin lids, often with rough edges and coarse tooth marks.
Noises and footprints
Heavy scratching or gnawing in walls, floors and ceilings at night, and footprints or tail marks in dust or mud.
How it works
Tell us what you’ve seen
Call or email with the pest, the type of property and your postcode. A technician can explain the process before anyone visits.
Find the source
The visit starts with the signs: identifying the pest, where it is nesting and how it is getting in.
Treat the problem
Treatment uses professional-use products and methods chosen for the pest and the property, with clear safety advice.
Keep it from coming back
You get advice on proofing and hygiene. Businesses can choose one-off visits or a regular service programme.
Local pages in Havering
Further reading
Let’s talk about the problem.
Tell us what you’ve seen, the property type and your postcode.