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It's well known that Rats can cause significant damage to properties when they get inside, often gnawing through electrical wiring, wooden structures and insulations—all of which can result in costly repairs and even fire hazards. Worse still, they contaminate food sources and bring with them serious health risks, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and hantavirus.
Alarmingly, a single pair of rats can produce up to 1,500 offspring in just one year under ideal conditions. This means that if even a few rats find their way into a building, a full-blown infestation can develop alarmingly fast.
Many people turn to baiting and poisoning as a solution, but these methods come with their own set of problems:
Ineffectiveness in the Long Term – Rats are highly intelligent creatures. They quickly learn to avoid poisoned bait if they sense it’s dangerous. This means that over time, baiting loses its effectiveness. Also, it is estimated that over 70% of the UK rat population has become resistant to conventional poisons.
Slow Results – Poisoning doesn’t provide immediate relief. It can take days or even weeks for the poison to work, allowing the infestation to worsen in the meantime.
What's that smell? - If rats consume poison and then die in an inaccessible area, their decaying bodies cause foul odours and attract even more pests.
Secondary Poisoning Risks – Poisoned rats can be consumed by pets or wildlife, leading to unintended poisoning of cats, dogs, owls, and foxes.
Baiting and poisoning are short-term fixes at best. The real solution lies in prevention, not extermination.
Rodent Prevention Devices: The Smarter, Safer Alternative
Rats don’t always stay in one place—they frequently leave a property to search for food and water, often using drainage systems as their underground highways. Despite venturing out, they have a strong homing instinct and will return to their nest if they find the environment safe and suitable for shelter. This cycle of leaving and returning makes it difficult to fully get rid of an infestation, as rats often come back through the same entry points they originally used.
This is where RatGate can play a crucial role in resolving an existing infestation. Once installed in the drainage system, it acts as a one-way barrier, allowing rats to leave but preventing them from coming back in (all whilst still allowing water and waste to flow freely). Over time, as they are unable to return, the infestation naturally diminishes, making it an effective tool for breaking the cycle of rodent activity within a property.
Beyond solving existing rodent problems, RatGate is also a powerful preventative measure. By blocking one of the most common rat entry points—drainage pipes—it ensures that infestations never start in the first place. Unlike reactive methods such as baiting, which only address the issue after an infestation occurs, RatGate offers a proactive, long-term solution that keeps homes and businesses protected from rodents before they become a problem.
Why a RatGate is a Better Choice
Stops Rats at Their Entry Point – Rats use drains like highways, exiting buildings through pipes but returning later. RatGate stops them from coming back in.
100% Poison-Free & Humane – Unlike toxic bait and traps, RatGate provides an eco-friendly, non-lethal way to control rodents.
Safer for Humans and Pets – No risk of poisoning pets, wildlife, or small children.
Long-Term Solution – Once installed, a RatGate provides continuous protection, reducing the need for constant pest control measures.
A Proactive Solution for High-Risk Industries
While a rat infestation is a nightmare for any property owner, certain industries face even greater risks from rodent problems, including:
Restaurants & Food Businesses – One rat sighting in a food establishment can ruin a business's reputation and result in health violations or shutdowns.
Hotels & Hospitality – Guests expect a clean, pest-free environment. A rodent problem could mean lost revenue, bad reviews, and potential legal action.
Warehouses & Storage Facilities – Rats can destroy goods and contaminate food storage, leading to financial losses and damaged inventory.
For businesses in these industries, a single infestation can be devastating, making prevention absolutely critical.
Take Action Before It’s Too Late
RatGate is a smarter, safer, and more effective alternative to baiting and poisoning. By blocking access at the drainage level, RatGate keeps properties protected, ensuring a healthier, pest-free environment for homeowners, businesses, and their customers.
