Vermin control covers the investigation, removal, and prevention of pest infestations, including rats, mice, and other rodents that pose a risk to health, property, and hygiene. In a drainage context, it focuses on identifying how vermin are entering the property through defective pipework and sealing those entry points to prevent it happening again. Effective vermin control addresses the root cause rather than simply dealing with the immediate infestation, which is why a drainage investigation is often the most important first step.
Why choose us for rat control in London?
Rats in a property are more than an unpleasant discovery. They carry serious diseases, cause structural damage, contaminate food, and create fire risks by chewing through electrical wiring. When the signs are there, the priority is identifying how they’re getting in and dealing with it quickly and thoroughly.
Drainage is the most common entry point for rats in London properties, and a CCTV drain survey is the most reliable way to find the defective pipework that’s giving them access. Our fully certified drainage surveyors carry out CCTV investigations to locate the entry point, and where drainage defects are identified, we can seal them using specialist reinforced liners designed specifically to prevent re-entry.
We work across domestic, commercial, and industrial sites across London and the Home Counties, and we’re on hand 24 hours a day. From investigation through to resolution, we handle the process as a single, coordinated service.
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How does rat control through drainage work?
We begin with a CCTV drain survey to inspect the pipework and identify any defects, such as cracks, collapsed sections, or open joints, that rats are using to access the property. Rats are capable of entering through surprisingly small gaps in drainage infrastructure, and without camera inspection, the entry point can be very difficult to locate.
Once identified, we use specialist reinforced drain liners to seal the affected section of pipework from the inside, closing off the entry point without excavation in most cases. Where vermin have already entered the property, we can advise on safe removal and disposal, carried out in line with current guidelines.
Addressing the drainage defect is the most effective long-term solution. Without it, pest control measures alone are unlikely to prevent re-infestation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to get rid of rats quickly?
The fastest and most effective approach is to identify and close off the entry point at the same time as dealing with the infestation itself. A CCTV drain survey locates the defective pipework rats are using to gain access, and specialist lining seals it off. Without addressing the entry route, rats are likely to return regardless of what other measures are taken.
We’d always recommend calling a professional rather than attempting to manage an infestation independently. Rats breed rapidly and the situation can escalate quickly, so acting early makes a significant difference to how straightforward the resolution is.
How much does a rat exterminator cost?
The cost depends on the extent of the infestation, the investigation required, and the repair work needed to seal the entry point. A CCTV drain survey to locate the source typically falls within the range of £250 to £650 for a residential property. Where drain lining is required to seal a defect, costs will depend on the size and location of the affected section.
We’ll assess the situation and provide a clear quote covering the investigation and any recommended works before anything begins.
How can London Drainage help with a rat problem?
We approach rat problems from a drainage perspective, which is where the majority of infestations in London properties originate. Using CCTV drain surveys, we locate the defective pipework giving rats access, and we seal it using reinforced liners that are specifically designed to withstand the conditions inside drainage infrastructure.
We also assist with the safe disposal of vermin where required. Because we handle the investigation and the repair as a single service, there’s no need to coordinate between separate contractors, and the cause is dealt with at the same time as the symptoms.
How do I know if I have a rat infestation?
Common signs include droppings along skirting boards, in cupboards, or near food storage areas; gnaw marks on woodwork, cables, or packaging; scratching or scurrying sounds inside walls, floors, or the loft, particularly at night; and burrows or runs along the exterior of the building.
A persistent musty odour in areas where rats are active is also a common indicator. If you notice any of these signs, it’s worth acting promptly. Rats breed quickly and a small problem can become a significant infestation in a short space of time.
Why is vermin control so important?
Rats carry diseases including Salmonellosis and Leptospirosis, both of which pose a genuine risk to human health. They contaminate food and food preparation surfaces, cause structural damage through gnawing, and create fire risks by chewing through electrical cables.
For commercial and high-occupancy properties, a rat infestation also carries serious reputational consequences. Beyond the immediate problem, failing to address the root cause means the risk of re-infestation remains, which is why identifying and sealing the entry point is as important as dealing with the rats themselves.
What is the best way to keep vermin out of my property?
The most effective preventative measure is ensuring the drainage infrastructure is in good condition. Cracked pipes, open joints, and collapsed sections are the primary routes rats use to enter properties through the drainage system.
A CCTV drain survey will confirm whether the pipework is sound, and any defects can be repaired using no-dig lining methods in most cases. Beyond drainage, keeping food stored in sealed containers, removing accessible waste promptly, and sealing any gaps around pipes where they enter the building all help reduce the risk of an infestation taking hold.
Why should I choose London Drainage for rat control in London?
We combine certified drainage surveying with specialist lining capability, which means we can investigate, identify, and fix the source of the problem rather than simply responding to the symptoms. Our CCTV equipment allows us to inspect the pipework thoroughly and locate entry points that would be impossible to find any other way, and our reinforced lining solutions seal those entry points permanently in most cases.
We work across domestic, commercial, and industrial sites, we’re available 24 hours a day, and we’ll always give you a clear picture of what we’ve found and what we recommend before any work takes place