Rat Pest Control in Stevenage | Nex Pest Control

Our Outside-In Rat Control Process

Identifying the Cause Before Treating the Infestation

At Nex Pest Control, our rat control process is based on a fundamental principle:

Removing rats without addressing how they entered the property may only provide a temporary solution.

Rather than immediately deploying traps or rodenticides, we begin by investigating the external structure of the building and, where necessary, the underground drainage system.

Our objective is to establish how rats are accessing the property and eliminate those routes before progressing to the removal of the existing infestation.

This investigative approach helps us address the underlying cause rather than simply treating the symptoms.

Our process consists of five stages.

Stage 1 – External Property Investigation and Rat Entry Point Identification

Finding out how rats are entering your property.

Our investigation begins outside the building.

We examine accessible areas of the property’s external structure, looking for defects and vulnerabilities that could allow rats to gain entry.

Rats are capable of exploiting relatively small openings, particularly where damaged materials can be enlarged through gnawing.

We investigate potential access points including:

External Brickwork and Mortar Joints

Damaged masonry, missing mortar and gaps within the building’s external structure can create opportunities for rodents to enter concealed voids.

Air Bricks and Ventilation Openings

Damaged or inadequately protected ventilation openings may provide access beneath suspended floors or into internal cavities.

External Pipework Penetrations

Gaps surrounding water supplies, waste pipes and other services entering a building are common areas requiring investigation.

Foundations and Ground-Level Defects

Openings around the base of a property may allow rats to access subfloor spaces or concealed areas beneath the building.

Rooflines, Extensions and Adjoining Structures

Rats can climb and may exploit openings around roof junctions, extensions, eaves and connected buildings.

Drainage Connections and Inspection Chambers

Drainage infrastructure is also assessed for evidence suggesting rats may be entering through underground pipework.

During the investigation, we look for supporting evidence such as droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, grease marks and established movement routes.

The purpose of this stage is to identify the routes rats are using before deciding on the most appropriate control measures.

Stage 2 – Underground Drainage Investigation and CCTV Surveys

Investigating hidden rat entry routes beneath your property.

Not every rat infestation originates from a visible defect in the external structure.

In some properties, rats gain access through damaged underground drainage systems.

Rats are capable swimmers and can travel through sewer networks. Where defects exist within the drainage infrastructure, they may exploit these openings to escape into surrounding ground, building foundations or concealed voids.

Potential drainage defects include:

Fractured underground drainage pipes.

Displaced or damaged pipe joints.

Redundant drainage connections.

Incorrectly sealed pipework.

Open connections within drainage infrastructure.

Collapsed or deteriorating drainage sections.

These defects can be particularly difficult to identify because they are concealed underground.

Where evidence suggests the drainage system may be contributing to an infestation, Nex Pest Control can undertake a professional CCTV drain inspection.

Using specialist camera equipment, we investigate accessible sections of the underground drainage system to identify structural defects and potential rodent access routes.

CCTV Drain Inspections

A CCTV drain inspection allows us to investigate pipework without automatically requiring excavation.

The inspection can help establish whether drainage defects are creating a route for rats to enter the property.

Where defects are identified, we can recommend appropriate corrective measures.

Rat Blocker Supply and Installation

Where suitable, a specialist rat blocker may be installed within the drainage system.

These mechanical devices are designed to help prevent rats travelling upstream through drainage pipes while allowing wastewater to flow in the intended direction.

Rat blockers must be correctly selected and installed in suitable locations.

Importantly, a rat blocker does not repair damaged drainage infrastructure. Where defective pipework is responsible for an infestation, appropriate repairs may also be required.

Our objective is to identify and address the underground access route rather than repeatedly treating rats entering through the same drainage defect.

Stage 3 – Structural Rat Proofing and Entry Point Elimination

Securing the property before removing the rats.

Once the relevant access routes have been identified, our next priority is to eliminate them.

This is one of the most important stages of our outside-in approach.

Rather than leaving structural defects untreated while attempting to remove the infestation, we prioritise preventing additional rats from entering.

Depending on the findings, appropriate proofing measures may include:

Sealing accessible openings around external pipework.

Installing suitable rodent-resistant proofing materials.

Protecting vulnerable ventilation openings.

Addressing accessible defects in external brickwork.

Securing identified ground-level access points.

Installing suitable drainage protection devices.

Recommending specialist structural or drainage repairs where required.

Proofing materials and installation methods are selected according to the location, construction and function of the affected area.

Essential ventilation and drainage functions must be maintained.

Why do we proof the property before removing the rats?

Because removing the existing rodents without securing their entry routes leaves the property vulnerable to further infestation.

By addressing the identified access points first, we aim to prevent additional rats entering while the remaining population is being controlled.

Where immediate proofing is unsuitable or could create additional risks, the sequence of work is adapted accordingly.

Our priority remains identifying and eliminating the source of the infestation wherever practicable.

Stage 4 – Professional Rat Removal and Targeted Treatment

Removing rats already present inside the property.

Once the identified entry routes have been secured, we progress to controlling the remaining infestation.

At this stage, the property should be better protected against additional rats entering through the access routes already addressed.

Depending on the circumstances, we may use professional trapping equipment or other appropriate rodent control methods.

Treatment selection takes account of:

The extent of the infestation.

The location of rat activity.

Accessibility of affected areas.

The presence of children and pets.

Risks to wildlife and other non-target animals.

The suitability of different control methods.

Where rodenticides are appropriate, they are used in accordance with their authorisation, product instructions and relevant professional guidance.

Our objective is to remove the remaining rats efficiently while minimising unnecessary risks to people, pets and wildlife.

By combining physical exclusion with targeted population control, we aim to resolve the existing infestation and reduce the likelihood of further entry.

Stage 5 – Monitoring, Follow-Up and Long-Term Prevention

Confirming that the infestation has been controlled.

Rat control does not necessarily end after the initial treatment.

Where required, follow-up visits allow us to assess whether rodent activity has reduced or ceased.

Monitoring may involve:

Checking trapping equipment.

Assessing evidence of continuing activity.

Reviewing previously identified entry points.

Investigating any remaining signs of infestation.

Recommending further proofing where necessary.

If activity continues, additional investigation may be required to identify overlooked or inaccessible entry routes.

We also provide practical advice on reducing environmental conditions that may attract rodents.

Our aim is to combine effective removal with preventative measures that provide lasting protection.