Rats and Mice Control in Aberdeen, Dundee & Perth

Rats and mice are among the most common pest problems across Aberdeen, Dundee, Angus, Perth, and Stirling. They are not just a nuisance. They cause structural damage, contaminate food and surfaces, and carry pathogens including Salmonella, Leptospirosis (Weil's disease), and Hantavirus. Effective control requires a systematic approach, not just a bag of bait from a hardware shop.

The risks of an untreated infestation

Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth in check. In a building, this means cables, pipework, insulation, and structural timbers are all at risk. Gnawed electrical cables are a significant fire hazard and one of the most serious consequences of an untreated infestation. Water damage from gnawed pipework is another common outcome.

Food contamination is a particular concern for businesses. Rodent urine and droppings can contaminate food preparation surfaces, packaging, and stored goods. For food businesses, a rodent infestation can result in enforcement action from Environmental Health and significant reputational damage.

Rats vs mice: key differences

Identifying which species you have affects the treatment approach:

• Brown rats are larger (up to 40cm including tail), bolder, and more likely to burrow outdoors before moving inside. They tend to follow fixed routes along walls and leave larger droppings (up to 12mm).
• House mice are smaller (up to 20cm including tail), more agile, and can enter through gaps as small as 6mm. They are more exploratory than rats and will investigate new objects in their territory. Droppings are smaller (3-6mm) and more numerous.

How professional rodent control works

A professional treatment begins with a survey to identify the species, the extent of the infestation, entry points, and harbourage areas. This information determines the treatment strategy.

For most residential and commercial infestations, tamper-resistant bait stations are placed in locations where rodents are active, typically along walls and in harbourage areas. The bait is checked and replenished on follow-up visits, and activity is monitored until the infestation is eliminated. Trapping is used where rodenticide is not appropriate.

Once the infestation is resolved, proofing work is carried out to seal entry points and prevent re-entry. Pest King provides a written report after every visit and full documentation for commercial customers. We cover Aberdeen, Dundee, Angus, Perth and Stirling.