Rats are one of the most destructive and potentially harmful pests that can invade a property. Whether you’re dealing with rats in your home, garden, loft, commercial premises, or business premises, swift action is essential to prevent the infestation from growing and causing further damage.
At Biochem, we provide professional pest and rat control services throughout Essex and London, helping homeowners, landlords, property managers, and businesses eliminate rat infestations safely and effectively. As a family-run business established in 1977, we have over 45 years of experience delivering reliable rodent pest control solutions tailored to each property’s specific needs.
Our experienced technicians use proven rat removal methods to identify the source of the infestation, remove existing rat activity, and implement preventative measures to reduce the risk of future infestations.
Why Are Rats aSerious Problem?
A rat infestation is far more than an inconvenience. Rats can cause significant structural damage, contaminate food sources, spread bacteria, and create health risks for occupants.
Rats have powerful teeth that continuously grow throughout their lives, meaning they constantly gnaw on materials including:
- Electrical wiring and pipework
- Timber structures and insulation
- Plastic materials and stored goods
This behaviour can lead to costly repairs and, in some cases, increase the risk of electrical fires. In addition, rats are known carriers of various diseases and bacteria, making professional rat pest control essential for protecting public health and maintaining a safe environment.
Common Signs of a Rat Infestation
Many infestations go unnoticed until rat activity becomes well established. Recognising the early warning signs can help prevent a small problem from becoming a major infestation. Common signs of rats include:
- Rat droppings around food storage areas
- Scratching noises in walls, lofts, ceilings, or under floorboards
- Gnaw marks on cables, woodwork, or pipes
- Burrows in gardens or around building foundations
- Grease marks along walls and skirting boards
- Unpleasant odours caused by rat activity
- Sightings of live or dead rats
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to seek professional rat control services as quickly as possible.

Where Do Rats Live?
Rats are highly adaptable pests and can thrive in both residential and commercial environments. Common locations include lofts, roof spaces, wall cavities, kitchens, utility rooms, cellars, basements, gardens, sheds, drainage systems, commercial kitchens, warehouses, restaurants, food preparation areas, and industrial premises. Because rats can access buildings through surprisingly small gaps, identifying entry points is a crucial part of effective rat control.
Our Professional Rat Control Process
At Biochem Pest Control, we take a comprehensive approach to rat pest control to ensure lasting results.
- Thorough Inspection — Our experienced technicians begin by conducting a detailed survey of the property. We identify signs of rat activity, nesting sites, entry points, and factors contributing to the infestation.
- Rat Control Treatment — A tailored treatment programme using professional baiting systems, secure trapping solutions, monitoring stations, proofing recommendations, and environmental management measures to eliminate rat activity safely and efficiently.
- Rat Proofing & Prevention — We provide practical advice on sealing entry points, improving waste management, reducing food sources, securing vulnerable areas, and ongoing monitoring. Our goal is to deliver long-term protection rather than simply treating the immediate problem.
Domestic Rat Control
Discovering rats in your home can be distressing. Rat activity often occurs in lofts, kitchens, gardens, garages, sheds, and wall cavities, frequently remaining hidden until the infestation becomes established.
Our domestic rat control services are designed to restore peace of mind quickly and effectively. We work discreetly and professionally to eliminate rat infestations while minimising disruption to your household. Whether you’ve seen a single rat or suspect a larger infestation, our team can provide expert advice and treatment.
Commercial Rat Control Services
For businesses, a rat infestation can damage reputation, disrupt operations, and potentially lead to regulatory issues. We provide professional commercial rodent control services for:
- Restaurants, cafés, and hotels
- Retail premises, warehouses, and factories
- Schools, offices, and healthcare facilities
- Property management companies
Our commercial pest control solutions help businesses remain compliant, protect their reputation, and maintain a safe environment for employees and customers.
If you’re a business owner looking for pest control, visit our commercial page.
Why Choose Biochem Pest Control?
- Family-Run Since 1977 — Biochem Pest Control has been helping customers throughout Essex and London for over 45 years. Our long-standing reputation has been built on trust, professionalism, and effective pest control solutions.
- Experienced Rat Extermination Specialists — Our trained technicians have extensive experience dealing with rat infestations of all sizes across residential and commercial properties.
- Fast Response Times — Rat infestations can escalate quickly. We aim to respond promptly and provide effective solutions before the problem worsens.
- Safe & Effective Treatments — We use professional rat control methods designed to provide effective results while prioritising safety and compliance.
- Local Knowledge — Our team understands the pest control challenges commonly faced across Essex and London, allowing us to provide targeted solutions that work.
Areas We Cover
We provide rat control services throughout Essex and London, including Chelmsford, Brentwood, Basildon, Billericay, Southend-on-Sea, Romford, Barking, Dagenham, Ilford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Thurrock, Grays, Epping, Harlow, and surrounding areas.
Contact Biochem Pest Control
If you’re experiencing rat activity in your home or business, don’t wait for the problem to worsen. Biochem Pest Control provides professional rat control services across Essex and London, delivering effective solutions backed by over 45 years of experience.
Contact our team today to arrange an inspection or discuss your rat control requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if I have rats?
Common indicators include droppings, scratching noises, gnaw marks, unpleasant odours, burrows, and sightings of rats around the property.
Are rats dangerous?
Yes. Rats can spread bacteria, contaminate food, damage property, and create health risks for occupants.
Can I get rid of rats myself?
DIY treatments may provide temporary relief but often fail to address the root cause of the infestation. Professional rat control offers a more effective long-term solution.
How quickly can a rat infestation be treated?
The timeframe depends on the severity of the infestation, but prompt treatment significantly improves the likelihood of fast and effective control.
How can I prevent rats returning?
Proper proofing, waste management, hygiene measures, and ongoing monitoring all play an important role in preventing future infestations.
Are your pest control treatments safe for homes with children and pets?
Yes. The safety of your family and pets is always our priority. For rodent control, we use secure, tamper-resistant bait stations containing non-spill bait, helping to prevent access by children, pets and non-target species while ensuring effective treatment.
If you have young children, pets or any concerns about the treatment, please let us know. We’ll be happy to discuss your options and, wherever possible, tailor our approach to provide a safe and effective solution for your home.

