Local pest managementHampshire · Established 2008
Local pest management · Established 2008
Office: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Office: Mon–Fri, 9am–5pm
Local expertise · Discreet service
Rats at your property? We investigate the problem, explain your treatment options and help you reduce the risk of them returning.
Practical pest management for homes, businesses and rural properties, from Bentley Environmental in Stockbridge.
Not sure what is making those noises? Tell us what you have noticed and we will advise on the next step.
We look for activity, access points and the conditions encouraging rats.
Clear advice from a local technician, with unmarked vehicles for your peace of mind.
We explain practical proofing and housekeeping measures alongside treatment.
Understanding the pest
The brown rat is the rat most commonly encountered in Britain. It may use burrows outdoors, drainage systems or sheltered spaces within buildings. Finding the access route matters as much as recognising the animal.
Dark droppings, gnaw marks, greasy marks along repeatedly used routes and disturbed ground can all be clues. Sounds alone do not establish the species: squirrels and other animals can also cause noises in roof spaces.
Rats can damage packaging, pipework and electrical cables by gnawing. Rather than relying on one sighting, we assess the pattern of activity and the property around it.
What to look for
One sign alone may not identify the pest. A survey helps establish what is active and where it is coming from.
Noises in lofts, walls, ceilings or beneath floors, often noticed when the property is quiet.
Droppings, damaged food packaging or gnaw marks around storage areas and access points.
Repeated routes along walls, disturbed ground or holes around outbuildings and gardens.
Rats seen inside or outside, or activity picked up by monitoring cameras.
How we help
We inspect the property, discuss what you have noticed and look for access points, food sources and harbourage. Cameras or further investigations may help where activity is difficult to trace.
We explain the proposed work and quotation. Depending on the findings, treatment may involve traps, monitoring and professional rodenticides where appropriate, with precautions for your property.
We review activity and adjust the approach as needed. Proofing, repairs and changes to food or waste storage can help address the conditions behind the infestation.
More than a treatment
Recurring rodent activity can be linked to gaps around pipes, damaged vents, doors or faults in drainage. Treating the rodents without addressing their route in may leave the property vulnerable.
We can investigate suspected access points and advise on suitable proofing. Any additional investigations, proofing or repair work will be discussed and quoted separately where required.
Investigating hidden access routes
When rats keep appearing and the route into the property is unclear, a drain camera survey can help investigate whether drainage faults are contributing to the problem.
Using a camera through accessible inspection chambers, we can look for visible defects, damaged connections and possible access routes. We explain the findings and how they may relate to the rodent activity.
If faults are found, we strongly recommend repairs by a drainage specialist. A drain valve may be considered as part of rodent management where suitable, but it is not a permanent substitute for repairing defects and needs ongoing inspection.
Drain surveys and any additional work are discussed and quoted separately. Access and the condition of the drainage can affect what can be inspected.
Ask about a drain survey
An additional control option
For suitable sites, Bentley Environmental can provide targeted rat shooting using a sub-12 ft lb pre-charged pneumatic (PCP) air rifle and night-vision equipment, as part of an agreed rat management programme.
We assess the property, rat activity and surrounding risks before recommending this approach. Work is subject to the necessary permission from the landowner or occupier and compliance with applicable firearms and wildlife requirements. Safety, correct species identification and humane control guide the decision.
This is not suitable for every property. Where appropriate, it can complement monitoring, trapping and other treatments, while proofing and management of food, waste and shelter help address the reasons rats are present.
Tell us about your site and we will discuss whether this or another method is appropriate. Any specialist work and planned visits will be explained and quoted in advance.
Ask about night-vision rat control
We consider the site, the level of activity and risks to pets, people and wildlife when choosing a control method. Rodenticides are used where appropriate, with monitoring and advice on reducing the need for repeat treatment.
For businesses, farms and estates, regular visits can support ongoing monitoring and prevention. We can discuss a service suited to your premises and reporting requirements.
Learn about the Campaign for Responsible Rodenticide Use
Whether you need help with a current infestation or want to discuss regular cover, we start with your property and the problem you are experiencing.
Our aim is to give you clear, useful advice and an agreed plan of action.
Tell us about your propertyNo. We investigate the evidence and accessible entry points first. A drain camera survey may be recommended where the activity suggests a hidden drainage route, rather than treating every rat problem as a drainage fault.
Timing depends on the level of activity and how rodents are entering the property. We aim to bring straightforward problems under control within around three weeks, but complex access or drainage issues can take longer. We explain the expected visits after surveying the site.
Rat control usually involves monitoring and follow-up rather than a single visit. The number of visits depends on the activity, access points and response to treatment. We discuss the proposed plan and costs with you.
Please tell us about children, pets and other animals before treatment. We assess the risks and position equipment accordingly, using secure stations where appropriate. Follow your technician's advice and do not move or handle treatment equipment.
Proofing entry points and reducing access to food, water and shelter can lower the risk of another infestation. Rodents may find new routes, so we cannot guarantee they will never return. Any additional proofing work is discussed and quoted separately.
We do not offer a catch-and-release service for rats. We will explain the control options suitable for your property.
We remove rodents caught in our equipment and investigate reported carcasses where accessible. Rodents in enclosed or inaccessible spaces cannot always be located or recovered.
It is helpful to be there for the initial survey so we can discuss the problem and access arrangements. Some later external visits may be possible while you are away, by agreement with your technician.
Based near Stockbridge, we help homes, businesses, farms and estates in Winchester, Andover, Alresford and the surrounding villages. Selected locations in Berkshire and Wiltshire are considered according to the service required.
Shawford, Twyford, Kings Worthy, Littleton, South Wonston, Sparsholt, Hursley, Micheldever and Sutton Scotney.
Charlton, Enham Alamein, Thruxton, Hurstbourne Tarrant, Abbotts Ann, Weyhill and Whitchurch.
Ropley, Bramdean, Bighton, Cheriton, Tichborne, Old Alresford, Bishop’s Sutton and Itchen Stoke.
Chilbolton, Kings Somborne, Broughton, Longstock and Middle Wallop.
Unit 4, Newton Manor Farm, Stockbridge, Hampshire SO20 6BP.
Bentley Environmental was established in 2008. George brings 20 years of pest industry experience. Send us your postcode and we will confirm whether we can help.
Looking for help with mice? Visit our mouse control page for identification, treatment and proofing advice.
For further independent information, read BPCA’s rat advice, NPTA pest identification guidance and CRRU’s Code of Best Practice.
Not sure which pest you have? See our rodent control overview or squirrel control page. We can help investigate noises and signs before deciding on treatment.
Tell us what you have noticed, where the activity is and your property’s postcode. We will discuss the next step and explain the proposed work and quotation.
Send an enquiryOffice: Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm.