Most Common Rodent Problems in the UK and How to Solve Them Yourself
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Most Common Rodent Problems in the UK and How to Solve Them Yourself.
Understand the risks, signs, and smart humane ways to handle rodents in your home or property.
Mice in the Kitchen or Loft
Mice are small and agile, often slipping through gaps as narrow as a pencil. Kitchens are ideal due to food access, while lofts offer warmth and nesting material and is also hardest place to repel rats from.
Common Signs:
Droppings around food areas or insulation.
Nests made from paper or fabric.
Scratching in the walls or ceilings.
Humane Solutions:
PESTFREEHOME PFH88 ( Purchase Here ) Ultrasonic Repellent or slightly more expensive option AMZ BRAND HX188 ( Purchase Here ) keeps mice away from nesting areas by emitting a frequency they hate, but humans can’t hear.
Catch and Release Mice Traps ( Purchase Here ) are perfect for quick removals without the harm caused and are very safe to use.
Seal off small entry points using Wool Steel ( Purchase Here ) and Blocking Paste. ( Purchase Here )
Related Read: How to Choose the Right Humane Pest Control Solution for Rodents
Rats Nesting in Vehicles
Rats often crawl into engine bays during colder months, especially when cars are parked for long periods of time. Sadly Classic Cars especially are on the target due to easier access. They chew wiring, nest in insulation, and leave a costly mess.
Common Signs:
Chewed cables or insulation.
Strange smells from the engine alongside sudden leaks.
Nesting materials under the bonnet. ( Small brunches, leaves etc )
Humane Solutions:
MOTIP ( Purchase Here ) or RATSTOP ( Purchase Here ) around the engine area and around open wiring ( like break cables etc ) to deter nesting.
Place Repelling Spheres in foot wells or boot compartments for ongoing extra layer of protection.
Wrap vulnerable wires in Non Chew able Rodent Tape ( Purchase Here ) for an added barrier. Especially recommended over colder periods.
Rats in Walls or Under Floorboards
These are second hardest areas to detect until the infestation grows and also to repel them from. Rats follow plumbing lines and electrical conduits, sneaking into wall cavities where they’re hard to reach.
Common Signs:
Loud movement or gnawing sounds at night.
Foul smells from hidden areas.
Grease marks or urine trails along walls.
Humane Solutions:
First trace movement / activity with UV Glow Powder ( Purchase Here ) and a UV Torch ( Purchase Here ) to find entry points.
Place Humane Catch and Release Rat Traps ( Purchase Here ) and bait using Trap Bait ( Purchase Here ) formulated to attract rats safely around the area that you tracked they are coming from.
Lastly, use Blocking Mesh ( Purchase Here ) and a Caulk Gun ( Purchase Here ) to seal off wall access after removal. Yet do not block all areas, leave one open for them to escape ( preferably as close to exit as possible ). If they keep using that as the route in and out - block the area for 24 - 48 hours max and then re - open the gap.
They will freak out and 9/10 times leave for good if they don't - potentially there is another point of entry / exit or they have newborn mice.
They are smart, meaning you need smart moves and PESTFREEHOME team will deliver them, so you don't have to worry at all.
Rodents Entering Through Utility Gaps
Gaps around pipes, under doors, and even cable holes are highways for rodents. Once inside, they can spread to every room — especially in terraced or older homes where things are bit more loose let's say due to age.
Humane Solutions:
Spray Rodent Spray ( Purchase Here ) around entry points and skirting boards.
Use Blocking Paste and Wool Steel to fill in cracks.
Soak Cotton Pieces ( Purchase Here ) in deterrent and tuck into hard-to-reach crevices.
Pro Tip: Combine blocking materials for long-term protection — especially under sinks or behind washing machines.
Extra: Rodent Odour and Scent Trails
Rodents leave pheromone trails and urine scents that invite others to follow. Even after removing them, scent management is critical.
Solutions:
Use Urine Neutralizer to clean and break scent trails.
Place Repelling Spheres ( Purchase Here ) or Rodent Spray as a follow-up deterrent.
Final Thoughts
Rodent problems in the UK aren’t just seasonal — they’re structural. The good news is that humane methods work when combined with proper monitoring, sealing, and prevention. Our full product range at PESTFREEHOME is designed to help you defend your home or property in a responsible, cruelty-free way.