Inspect for rodents.

Beyond simply spotting a mouse or rat, an expert inspection looks for the "why" and "how" of the infestation. This process ensures that you aren't just treating the symptoms, but permanently securing your home against future unwanted guests.

What Does the Work Involve?

• External Perimeter Survey: Checking for holes in brickwork, gaps around pipes, damaged air bricks, and vulnerabilities in the roofline or guttering.
• Internal Voids Inspection: Investigating "hotspots" such as under kitchen units, behind appliances, inside loft spaces, and within cellar or basement areas.
• Evidence Analysis: Identifying species by examining droppings, smear marks (greasy fur rubbings), gnaw marks, and nesting materials.
• Entry Point Mapping: Pinpointing exactly how rodents are gaining access, often involving checks of the drainage system and structural joins.
• Action Plan: Providing a detailed report with photographic evidence and a tailored quote for proofing (sealing entry points) and treatment.

Typical Costs

Prices are influenced primarily by your location (London and the South East typically command higher rates) and the size of the property. If the inspection requires specialist equipment, such as telescopic cameras for roof voids or drain crawlers, the cost will increase significantly.

How Long Does It Take?

• Standard Terraced or Semi-detached: 1 to 1.5 hours for a thorough internal and external walk-through.
• Large Detached Home: 2 to 3 hours, especially if there are multiple outbuildings or complex loft layouts.
• Commercial or Rural Properties: 3+ hours, often requiring a more extensive perimeter check of land and boundaries.

DIY or Professional?

While you can spot obvious holes yourself, a professional pest controller is trained to see "invisible" signs like pheromone trails and structural defects you might miss. Rodents carry serious diseases such as Leptospirosis (Weil’s disease) and Salmonellosis, making professional handling much safer.

Professional inspectors use high-grade tracking dust and endoscopes to find nests behind walls that DIY methods simply cannot reach.

Choosing the Right Tradesperson

• Check Accreditations: Look for membership in the British Pest Control Association (BPCA) or the National Pest Technicians Association (NPTA).
• Ask about Insurance: Ensure they hold valid Public Liability Insurance.
• Request a Written Report: A professional should always provide a document detailing the findings and recommended proofing measures.
• Red Flags: Be wary of anyone who suggests "immediate" poisoning without first identifying the entry points, as this rarely solves the long-term problem.

UK Regulations

• CRRU Code of Best Practice: Professionals must follow the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use to protect non-target wildlife.
• Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981: Certain methods of control are strictly regulated to prevent harm to protected species like bats.
• Health and Safety at Work Act: Technicians must use appropriate PPE and provide COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) data sheets for any chemicals used.

Common Problems

• The "Quick Fix" Trap: Using poison without proofing the property first, leading to a cycle of re-infestation every few months.
• Ignoring Drains: Over 50% of rat problems in the UK stem from broken sewer pipes; failing to check these means the problem will never go away.
• Poor Quality Proofing: Using materials like expanding foam, which rodents can easily gnaw through, rather than wire wool or stainless steel mesh.
• Hidden Nests: Failing to check the loft or wall cavities, leaving a reservoir of rodents that eventually move back into living areas.

Frequently Asked Questions