Rats Under Floorboards: A Homeowner's Guide to Detection and Removal

If you’re a homeowner or landlord in Kent dealing with rats lurking beneath your floorboards, it’s crucial to act quickly and safely.

This expert guide will walk you through the tell-tale signs of a rat infestation under floorboards, explain what attracts these pests indoors, highlight what not to do when you discover them, and outline how professionals remove rats safely. We’ll also share preventative tips to keep rodents out for good.

Dealing with a rat infestation requires caution – rats carry diseases and can cause significant damage. DIY methods might be tempting, but improper attempts can lead to health risks or persistent infestations. For the safety of your household (and your peace of mind), it may be best to get professional assistance.

GEM Services, based in Ashford and serving all of Kent, offers discreet, same-day appointments where possible to help you resolve rat problems swiftly. Now, let’s start by identifying the problem.

Signs of Rats Under Floorboards

Rats are nocturnal and secretive, so you might not see them directly. Instead, look and listen for these common signs of rats under your floorboards:

• Scratching or scurrying noises at night: One of the first signs is often the sound of scratching, gnawing, or scampering coming from beneath the floor late at night or in the early morning. Rats moving around in void spaces can make soft thuds or rustling noises under your feet.

• Droppings and urine odour: Check along skirting boards, under cupboards, or near floor vents for rat droppings. Rat droppings are dark, pellet-shaped, about 1–2 cm long. You might also notice a strong ammonia-like smell (from rat urine) seeping up from floor gaps or crawl spaces.

  
  

• Gnaw marks on wood or wires: Rats chew constantly to wear down their teeth. If you can access under-floor areas (or even around the edges of rooms), you may find gnaw marks on wooden beams, joists, or electrical cables that pass under the floor. Chewed wires are especially dangerous as they pose a fire risk.

  
  

• Pet behaviour: Dogs or cats in the house may become fixated on certain spots on the floor. A cat staring intently at the floor or a dog sniffing and pawing at one area could indicate they hear or smell rodents below.

  
  

• Nests or shredded material: If there's an entry point to the subfloor, rats might drag in soft materials to build a nest (shredded paper, insulation, fabric). You might find signs of nesting if you look into any accessible floor void or crawlspace.

  
  

• Sagging or disturbed floor sections: In older homes, persistent rat activity can sometimes lead to insulation being pushed aside or wood being chewed, causing sections of wooden flooring to feel spongy or sag. This is a less common sign, but it can happen with long-term infestations.

  
  

If you notice one or more of these signs, it's likely you have unwelcome rodents underfoot. The sooner you address it, the easier it will be to resolve – rats reproduce quickly, and a small problem can snowball into a large infestation in a matter of weeks.

What Attracts Rats Under Floorboards?

Understanding what drew rats inside your property can help you not only remove them but also prevent future invasions.

So, why do rats choose to hide under floorboards? There are a few key reasons:

• Food sources: Rats are always on the hunt for food. If your home has easily accessible food in the kitchen, unsecured pantry items, pet food bowls left out, or bins that aren’t sealed, the scent can lure rats indoors. They often enter at ground level and find their way under floorboards near kitchens or food stores.

  
  

• Shelter and warmth: A void beneath floorboards offers a dark, quiet, and snug shelter. It protects rats from predators and harsh weather. This is especially attractive in colder months – the warmth from your home’s heating makes the underfloor space cozy for rodents. Older houses with gaps in foundations or wooden floors tend to have many little hideaways perfect for nesting.

  
  

• Water and moisture: Rats need water to survive. Leaking pipes under a floor or condensation in crawl spaces can provide them with a drinking source. Kitchens and bathrooms (with water pipes) are common entry points from beneath for this reason.

  
  

• Clutter and nesting material: If the subfloor area or crawlspace has stored items, cardboard, insulation or debris, it’s a treasure trove of nesting material. Rats will happily chew up paper, fabrics or insulation to build a comfy nest hidden under your floors.

  
  

• Easy entry points: Rats don’t magically appear under floorboards; they get in from somewhere. Cracks in the foundation, gaps around utility pipes, broken air bricks/vents, or even via the drainage system can all serve as highways into your home. Once inside, the under-floor void is an easy haven. Homes with broken or open drains, or adjacent to overgrown gardens, are especially at risk as rats can burrow through soil and pop up under the house.

  
  

By identifying what attracted the rats, you can take targeted steps to remove those attractants. For example, secure all food in rodent-proof containers, fix any leaks, declutter storage areas, and seal up gaps or holes in walls and floors. In many cases, an infestation under the floorboards starts because outdoor rats found an entry (a cracked air vent or a gap around pipes) while searching for food or warmth.

What Not to Do When You Have Rats Under the Floorboards

When facing a rat problem, it’s just as important to know what not to do as it is to know what to do.

Many well-intentioned DIY efforts can backfire or even be dangerous. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:

• Don’t ignore the problem: Hoping the rats will just go away on their own is a mistake. If conditions remain inviting (food, shelter), rats will settle in, breed rapidly, and the infestation will worsen. Ignoring early signs can turn a small issue into a severe infestation that’s much harder to eliminate.

  
  

• Don’t seal entry holes while rats are inside: It might seem logical to block the holes where rats are getting in. However, if you seal gaps or cracks before removing the rats, you could trap them inside your walls or under the floorboards. Trapped rats will panic and chew new escape routes (causing more damage), or die and decompose in an inaccessible area, leading to awful odours and attracting flies.

  
  

• Don’t use poison recklessly: Setting out hardware store rat poison under the floorboards is risky. While poison can kill rats, it won’t solve the problem immediately, and you have no control over where the rat will go to die. Often, poisoned rats retreat into wall cavities or deep under the flooring to die, causing a lingering dead-animal smell that can last for weeks. Moreover, handling poisons without proper knowledge is dangerous – you could inadvertently harm pets, children, or local wildlife. Professional pest controllers use rodenticides in a controlled manner (like secured bait stations) to minimise these risks.

  
  

• Don’t set uncovered traps in living areas: Snap traps can be effective, but placing them indiscriminately around your home is hazardous. Avoid putting traps where pets or children might tamper with them, and be prepared to deal with whatever the trap catches. A poorly placed trap could injure someone or just maim a rat, leaving you with a stressed, injured rodent to handle. If you do use traps, opt for tamper-resistant designs and put them directly in the under-floor void or along hidden runways, not out in the open.

  
  

• Don’t handle rats or nesting material without protection: If you plan on investigating under floorboards, never reach in bare-handed. Rats carry diseases like leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), Salmonella, and hantavirus. Their droppings and urine are hazardous to human health. Without gloves, a mask, and proper PPE, you risk infection when touching anything contaminated. Even sweeping or vacuuming dry droppings can send dangerous particles into the air.

  
  

• Don’t rely on gimmicks or home remedies alone: You might come across ultrasonic pest repellent gadgets or strong-smelling deterrents (peppermint oil, mothballs, etc.). Unfortunately, these rarely solve an established infestation. Ultrasonic devices often fail because rats quickly adapt or move to a spot the sound doesn’t reach well. Scents might make rats avoid an area briefly, but they won't force a colony to leave once it’s nested under your floorboards.

  
  

In short, avoid quick fixes that could make things worse or put you at risk. It’s understandable to want to tackle the problem immediately, but safe and effective rat removal requires a strategic approach.

The Professional Rat Removal Process

Once you suspect or confirm rats under your floorboards, the most effective solution is to bring in a professional pest control service.

Expert technicians have the training and tools to eliminate the infestation safely and prevent it from coming back. Here’s what a professional rat removal process usually involves:

1. Thorough inspection: A professional will start by surveying your property to pinpoint where rats are active and how they're getting in. This includes checking underfloor voids (if accessible), around the exterior foundation, examining air vents and drain outlets, and looking for gaps around pipes or cables. Identifying entry points and nest locations is crucial for a successful removal.

   
   

2. Tailored treatment plan: Depending on the severity of the infestation and the layout of your home, the technician will choose the best control methods. This often involves a combination of safe trapping and baiting. For example, they may place secure bait stations with rodenticide under the floor (in areas only rats can reach), and set up heavy-duty snap traps in the subfloor void. Professionals know how to position traps and baits exactly where rodents travel, maximising the chances of a quick resolution.

   
   

3. Safe removal: When traps catch rats, the pest control team will dispose of the rodents hygienically. In cases where poison is used, they may schedule a return visit to retrieve any rodent carcasses (to prevent odours). If a dead rat is suspected under floorboards, an expert can carefully lift a floorboard or use specialist tools to find and remove it with minimal disruption.

   
   

4. Sanitisation: An often-overlooked step is cleaning up after the rats. Professionals will typically treat affected areas with disinfectants or enzyme cleaners to eliminate bacteria and viruses left by rats. This not only removes lingering smells (which can attract new rodents) but also protects your household from pathogens.

   
   

5. Proofing and prevention: After dealing with the immediate infestation, a quality pest control service helps make sure new rats can’t get in. This may include sealing up entry points—installing mesh on vents, repairing holes in walls or floors with rodent-proof materials (steel mesh, concrete, etc.), and fixing broken pipes or cracks in the foundation. You’ll also get advice on reducing attractants, such as better food storage and waste management, to make your home less appealing to pests.

   
   

6. Follow-up support: Rats are clever and occasionally one or two might evade initial treatment. Many professional services offer follow-up visits as needed. The technician can re-inspect, reset traps or baits, and continue treatments until there are no more signs of activity. Knowing you have that support gives extra peace of mind that the problem is truly solved.

   
   

By using a professional, you benefit from their expertise and resources. They can often resolve in a matter of days what might take a homeowner weeks of trial-and-error, and do so in a way that’s safe for your family and pets.

At GEM Services, our experienced Rat Control team follows all these steps with the utmost care and discretion.

We understand the stress and embarrassment a rat infestation can cause, so we work quietly and efficiently to remove the rats without drawing unwanted attention. Our technicians are fully trained, insured, and equipped with personal protective gear and professional-grade tools, ensuring the infestation is dealt with thoroughly.

Prevention Tips to Keep Rats Away

Once you’ve gotten rid of rats under your floorboards, the last thing you want is for them to come back. Here are some effective prevention tips to help rodent-proof your property:

• Seal entry points: Inspect your home’s interior and exterior for any gaps or holes through which rodents could enter. Even a 15 mm gap (about the size of a 5p coin) can let a young rat squeeze in. Seal cracks in the foundation and gaps around doors or window frames. Fit bristle or rubber sweeps to the bottom of doors to eliminate openings. Cover any missing or broken air bricks and vents with rodent-proof mesh. Remember, rats can also enter via roof lines or broken drain pipes, so check high and low.

  
  

• Secure food and waste: Store all pantry goods in sturdy sealed containers (preferably plastic or metal) instead of leaving them in open packaging. Clean up spills and crumbs promptly, and don’t leave pet food or water bowls out overnight. Use rubbish bins with tight-fitting lids, both indoors and outdoors. If you have a compost heap, avoid putting meat, dairy or cooked foods in it, as these attract rodents; use a secure compost bin instead.

  
  

• Eliminate outdoor attractions: Keep your garden and the area around your house tidy. Overgrown vegetation, piles of wood, or debris next to the house can shelter rats. Trim back bushes and keep grass short. Store firewood off the ground and away from walls. If you feed birds, be mindful that spilled birdseed can attract rats – consider using bird feeders with catch trays and avoid scattering feed on the ground.

  
  

• Remove water sources: Fix any leaky outdoor taps or pipes. Ensure gutters and downspouts direct water away properly (rats can drink from dripping outlets). Check that gully traps and drain covers are intact. Indoors, promptly repair any plumbing leaks – even a slow drip under a sink can provide enough water for a rat. Reducing accessible water makes your home less hospitable to pests.

  
  

• Routine inspection and maintenance: Make rodent checks a part of your regular home maintenance. For example, peek under the kitchen units or behind appliances occasionally for droppings or gnaw marks. If you live in an area prone to rats (near waterways, farms, or in older urban neighbourhoods), it might be worth scheduling periodic pest inspections. Many pest control companies (including GEM Services) offer preventive check-ups or contracts to catch issues early.

  
  

• Stay vigilant: Finally, trust your senses. If you hear scratching or notice an odd smell again, act promptly. It’s easier to deal with one or two rats re-invading than a whole new colony. Early action can save you a lot of hassle and damage. A clean, well-maintained and well-sealed home is your best defence against rodents – but if new rats still find their way in, you’ll now recognise the signs and know exactly how to respond.

  
  

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I tell if it’s rats or mice under my floorboards?

If you’re hearing noises under the floor, it could be either rats or mice. There are a few clues to tell them apart. Rat droppings are larger (about 1–2 cm long) and spindle-shaped, whereas mouse droppings are smaller, like little grains of dark rice. Rats also make louder, heavier scratching sounds and you might even hear a dull thump as they move (since they’re bigger and stronger). Mice tend to scurry more lightly and are often heard in walls or loft spaces as well as under floors. You might notice a difference in damage size too – rats chew bigger holes. If you’re unsure, it’s best to get a professional inspection. Either way, both pests need to be removed. (Our team handles both; see our Mice Control services if you suspect a mouse problem.)

Q: Is it safe to put rat poison under the floorboards myself?

Generally, no – it’s not safe or advisable for a homeowner to scatter rat poison under floorboards. While poison can kill rats, it won’t necessarily solve the issue and can create new problems. A poisoned rat might die in an unreachable spot under your floor, leading to a horrible smell and insect infestations as it decomposes. Also, using poison without proper precautions can put children, pets, or other wildlife at risk if they manage to find the bait or a poisoned rat. Professional pest controllers use poisons in a very controlled way, placing them in tamper-proof bait stations and monitoring the results. For a home infestation, traps or professional treatment are safer and more effective first steps.

Q: What’s the fastest way to get rid of rats under floorboards?

The quickest way to eliminate rats under your floorboards is to act fast and involve professionals. Start by removing any easy food sources and consider setting a couple of secure rat traps (in areas under the floor or close to where you’ve heard activity). But the truth is, a full infestation usually requires a comprehensive approach. Professional exterminators can often resolve the problem much faster than DIY methods because they have experience finding entry points and nests that aren’t obvious, and they use stronger, professional-grade solutions. In many cases, a pest control expert can eradicate the rats in just a visit or two.

GEM Services offers prompt, same-day rat control call-outs whenever possible, so you can reclaim your home quickly. Trying to do it all yourself might catch one or two rats, but it likely won’t deal with the entire nest as swiftly or safely as an expert can.

Rats under the floorboards are a nightmare no one wants to endure, but you don’t have to face it alone. By recognizing the signs early, avoiding common mistakes, and taking swift action, you can get rid of the problem before it gets out of hand. And remember, professional help is just a phone call away.

GEM Services is based in Ashford and serves all of Kent, providing expert rat and pest control with an emphasis on safety and discretion.

We even offer same-day appointments where possible. So if you suspect rats are making themselves at home under your floor, don’t hesitate to contact GEM Services for advice or a visit. We’ll help you evict those unwelcome guests quickly and restore your peace of mind in a rodent-free home.