How to Get Rid of Rats Under Floorboards

Rats living under floorboards are one of the most common rodent problems in UK homes, and one of the most disruptive. They create scratching noises, damage wiring, carry disease and can spread rapidly if the conditions beneath the property suit them.

As pest control technicians working across Kent, we regularly deal with rat infestations under floorboards in houses of every age. This guide explains why rats choose these hidden spaces, how to identify the signs, what treatments actually work and when it is time to call a professional.

Why Rats Nest Under Floorboards

Rats prefer enclosed, undisturbed areas with easy access to food and warmth. Floor voids provide exactly that. Common reasons include:

Easy entry points

Gaps around pipework, broken air bricks, damaged vents and holes beneath skirting boards allow rats to enter floor voids without being seen.

Warmth from central heating

Modern central heating creates warm voids beneath floors, making them ideal nesting sites in autumn and winter.

Access to food sources

Kitchens located above floor voids often have food remnants or open access to cupboards, bins or pet food areas.

Damaged drains

Broken or collapsed drains are one of the most common causes of rats entering homes in Kent. Once they gain access beneath the property, they quickly spread into floor spaces.

Soft insulation and nesting material

Rats shred insulation, underlay and wiring to build their nests beneath floorboards.

Signs You Have Rats Under the Floorboards

Many homeowners never see the rats themselves. Instead, look for the following indicators:

Scratching or scurrying noises

Often heard at night, especially along skirting boards or beneath ground floor rooms.

Gnaw marks

Rats chew wood, pipes and electrical cables, leaving distinctive tooth marks.

Droppings

Roughly the size and shape of olive stones, typically found under sinks, in cupboards or along skirting.

A strong musky smell

Rat nests develop a noticeable odour, often strongest near entry points.

Damage to wiring or pipes

Chewed cables, blown fuses or unexplained leaks can indicate rat activity beneath floors.

Pet behaviour changes

Cats and dogs may sit staring at a certain area of flooring or cupboard where rats are hiding.

How to Get Rid of Rats Under Floorboards

There are several methods to eliminate rats beneath a floor. Some are safe for homeowners to attempt, while others require professional help.

1. Identify and seal entry points

Rats will keep returning unless you locate the openings they use to access the floor voids. Common areas to inspect include:

• Air bricks• External vents

• Gaps around pipe penetrations

• Cracked masonry

• Gaps beneath doors

• Spaces behind kitchen units

Any entry point larger than a thumb is large enough for a rat.

2. Inspect for drain damage

In Kent, a high percentage of rat problems start with:

• Broken drains

• Faulty interceptor traps

• Disconnected pipework

• Old clay drains that have collapsed

If rats are entering through the drainage system, no amount of traps will solve the issue until the drain is repaired.

A CCTV drain survey is often the fastest route to identifying the problem.

3. Lay traps correctly

Snap traps remain one of the most effective tools for controlling rats, but only when placed correctly.

Key principles include:

• Place traps in floor voids where activity is identified

• Use gloves to avoid leaving human scent

• Anchor traps so rats cannot drag them away

• Use a highly attractive bait such as peanut butter or chocolate spread

• Set multiple traps, not just one

Trapping under floorboards can be time consuming and requires lifting floor sections in many cases.

4. Avoid using DIY poisons under floorboards

Many homeowners attempt to use poison first. However, poison under floors frequently leads to:

• Rats dying in inaccessible voids

• Strong decomposition odours

• Flies and maggots in the property

• Prolonged infestations due to incorrect dosing

Professional treatments use controlled methods to minimise these risks.

5. Use professional rodent control where necessary

A trained pest technician can:

• Identify how rats are accessing the floor voids

• Treat the infestation safely

• Block entry points

• Advise on future prevention

• Carry out follow up visits if required

Rats breeding beneath a property can spread rapidly, so professional help is often needed for long term control.

If you suspect rats under your floorboards and want fast, discreet help, GEM Services provides same day appointments across Kent. Contact our team for advice or to arrange a visit.

Preventing Rats Returning Under Floorboards

Once the infestation is removed, prevention is essential.

Improve proofing

Seal gaps around pipes, vents and damaged brickwork using rodent-proof mesh or cement.

Maintain good hygiene

Store food securely, clean spills promptly and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

Repair drain faults

If a survey shows damage, repair it immediately to prevent reinfestation.

Keep vegetation trimmed

Overgrown shrubs and climbing plants can hide access routes into buildings.

Monitor activity

Look for fresh droppings, gnaw marks or noises. Early detection prevents large infestations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get rid of rats under floorboards?

Most treatments take between one and three visits depending on severity and access.

Will rats come back?

They can, if entry points or drain issues are not resolved. Proofing is essential.

Do rats harm electrics?

Yes. Rats commonly chew wiring, which can lead to power outages or even fire risk.

Is it safe to treat rats myself?

DIY trapping can work in mild cases, but poison should be avoided due to odour and safety issues.

For fast, professional help with rats under floorboards, GEM Services offers safe, effective treatments with same day appointments where possible. Contact us today for clear advice and reliable rodent control across Ashford and Kent.