Rat Pest Control in Newcastle, Sunderland & Durham | Pest Shield

Rats are one of the most serious pest threats for homes and businesses across the North East. They spread disease, contaminate food, damage wiring, and cause costly structural issues. At Pest Shield, we provide professional rat pest control in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and Gateshead, combining fast treatments with long-term prevention to stop infestations coming back.

Signs of a Rat Infestation

Not sure if you have rats? Common indicators include:

• Dark, spindle-shaped droppings along walls and skirting boards

• Gnawing on cables, pipes, packaging and stored goods

• Scratching noises in lofts, ceilings or wall voids

• Greasy smear marks along established runs

• Burrows under sheds, decking or near external walls

In commercial premises, you may also notice shredded packaging, stock damage, or increased sightings around bin areas and loading bays.

Our Proven 4-Step Rat Control Process

At Pest Shield, we don’t “bait and hope.” Our approach is thorough and evidence-led:

1. Inspect

A qualified technician surveys your property to identify entry points, harbourage and food/water sources. We check lofts, wall cavities, voids, bin stores, vegetation and drainage systems. Rats often gain access through damaged or redundant drains, so we pay particular attention to manholes and inspection chambers. Where ingress is unclear, we can use our CCTV drain camera system to trace breaks, faults and hidden connections, and arrange for non-return valves or covers to be fitted if needed.

2. Eliminate

We use a combination of professional baits and discreet traps, chosen for the location and risk level. All bait is secured to avoid non-target exposure. Traps are placed effectively but out of sight. Active ingredients are rotated to prevent resistance.

3. Proof

Long-term success comes from blocking access. We seal gaps around pipes, vents and cables, recommend brush strips and mesh, tidy vegetation, and advise on secure waste handling. Externally, we address stacked materials, ground voids and, where necessary, drainage defects that provide rat entry routes.

4. Monitor

Follow-up visits allow us to remove carcasses, re-assess activity, and adapt the treatment plan until your site is clear. For commercial sites, ongoing monitoring contracts are available to keep pressure low.

Safe & Targeted Treatments

All treatments comply with rodenticide stewardship guidance. We use only professional-grade products from trusted UK suppliers. Safety is always prioritised:

• Baits are contained and tamper-resistant

• Traps are positioned discreetly

• Clear advice is given for homes with children and pets

• Audit-ready records provided for commercial clients

Rat Control for Homes & Landlords

For houses and flats, we work neatly and safely around families and pets. We explain exactly where products are placed and leave simple prevention advice tailored to your property.

For landlords and managing agents, we provide treatments for single properties or blocks of flats, with the option of regular monitoring services to prevent recurring issues.

Rat Control for Businesses & Food Premises

Rats pose a serious risk to food safety, hygiene ratings and brand reputation. We support:

• Restaurants, cafés and takeaways

• Retail, logistics and warehousing

• Education and healthcare settings

Visits can be scheduled outside trading hours to minimise disruption. After each treatment, you’ll receive audit-ready documentation including site plans, findings, photographs, batch numbers, COSHH sheets and clear next steps — ideal for EHO and insurer compliance.

Multi-site operators can align service with compliance calendars.

How Many Visits Are Needed?

Most domestic rat infestations can be resolved in 3 visits. Heavier activity, structural issues or drainage defects may require additional follow-ups. We’ll always be transparent about timings and costs before treatment begins.

Why Choose Pest Shield?

• Local technicians based in the North East

• Fast, discreet response with unmarked vehicles

• Evidence-led rat control, not just baiting

• Access to CCTV drain survey equipment to pinpoint hidden rat entry points

• Thorough proofing for long-term prevention

• Clear reporting and compliance support

Areas We Cover

We proudly cover the whole of the North East, focusing on:

• Newcastle

• Durham

• Gateshead

• Sunderland

We also provide expert pest control in surrounding towns and communities across the region, including:
Ashington, Bishop Auckland, Blyth, Chester-le-Street, Consett, Cramlington, Crook, Darlington, Hartlepool, Hebburn, Houghton-le-Spring, Jarrow, Middlesbrough, Morpeth, North Shields, Peterlee, Redcar, Seaham, South Shields, Stanley, Stockton-on-Tees, Tynemouth, Wallsend, Washington and Whitley Bay

Get a Fast Quote Today

If you suspect a rat infestation, don’t delay. Rats breed quickly, spread disease, and cause costly damage if left untreated.

• Call us on 0191 7166647

• Contact us online

• We’ll confirm the plan, advise on immediate steps, and schedule your first visit quickly

Trust Pest Shield for effective, discreet and long-lasting rat control in Newcastle, Sunderland, Durham and across the North East.