How to Get Rid of Rats in a Flat or Shop

Signs of rodent activity

• Droppings along walls, behind appliances and inside storage lofts.
• Gnaw marks on packaging, wooden edges, plastic pipes and cable insulation.
• Scratching or scurrying noises in the false ceiling or wall cavity at night.
• Greasy rub marks along regular runways.
• Shredded paper, cloth or coconut fibre used as nesting material.

Why rats are a safety issue, not just a nuisance

Rodents gnaw continuously to keep their incisors worn down, and electrical cable is a common target — chewed insulation is a genuine fire and short-circuit risk in older buildings. They also contaminate stored food and water with urine and droppings, which matters especially in shops, restaurants and godowns subject to hygiene audits.

The three-part approach that actually works

• Proofing: sealing gaps around pipes, fitting door brushes, meshing ventilators and covering open drain mouths.
• Reduction: tamper-resistant bait stations and snap traps placed along runways, never in open areas where children or pets can reach them.
• Sanitation: removing the food and water supply — sealed bins, no open grain sacks, no standing water at night.

Why we avoid loose poison indoors

Loose poison risks a rodent dying inside an inaccessible cavity, which creates a serious odour problem for weeks and attracts flies. It is also unsafe around children and pets. Professional treatment uses secured stations placed outside living areas, and glue-board or trap-based removal indoors so carcasses can be removed.