Wildlife and animal intruders
Dealing with rats in the loft lawfully
Rats are not protected, so they can be controlled, but the law still governs how. Control must be humane under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, professional-strength rodenticides are restricted to trained certified users under the UK stewardship scheme, and glue traps are now banned for general use under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022 (in force in England since 31 July 2024), with only licensed pest-control professionals able to use them under licence. The lawful, effective approach is to proof the entry points, use approved quick-kill traps or, where poison is needed, a certified professional, and avoid anything that causes unnecessary suffering or risks poisoning pets and wildlife.
Rats in the roof are common, especially in autumn as they move indoors. They gnaw on cables (a fire risk), contaminate insulation, and can carry disease, so they should not be ignored. But the instinct to reach straight for strong poison is both legally restricted and often counterproductive. This guide sets out a safe, lawful sequence. See our rats guide for the signs and identification.
This is general information, not legal advice. The rules differ slightly between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check the current gov.uk guidance for your nation. Our what is legal pillar covers wildlife and pest law more broadly.
Step one: proof the entry points
Rats are agile climbers and squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. They typically reach a loft via the eaves, soffits, gaps around pipes and cables, and overhanging branches. Sealing these is the single most important step, because controlling rats without proofing just invites the next ones in.
Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small openings, so seal any gap one could pass through, often cited as roughly the width of an adult thumb, with rodent-proof materials such as wire wool set in sealant, metal mesh or hard filler, not expanding foam alone, which they chew through. Cut back branches that bridge to the roof, and remove easy food such as spilled bird seed and accessible bins.
Step two: lawful, humane control
There is a legal duty under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises free of rats, so control is expected. The Animal Welfare Act 2006 requires that it be humane, which means using approved quick-kill snap traps set correctly and checked often, not methods that cause prolonged suffering. Glue traps are now banned for general use: under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, which came into force in England on 31 July 2024, it is an offence to use a glue trap to catch a rodent unless you hold a licence as a professional pest controller.
Rodenticides are tightly controlled. The strongest products are restricted to trained, certified users under the UK rodenticide stewardship regime, because rats that eat poison and then die in the open can poison the owls, foxes and pets that eat them. Any product sold to the public must be used strictly per the label, in covered bait stations, and never broadcast loose.
Step three: when to call a professional
For an active loft infestation, a professional is usually the safest and most effective route. They can use the restricted-access products lawfully, place bait safely away from children and pets, find and proof the entry points, and deal with any dead rats. Many local councils offer rat treatment, sometimes free, and you can find the service through gov.uk by entering your postcode.
If you use a private firm, choose a British Pest Control Association member, who works to a code of practice and carries insurance. See our pest control cost guide for indicative prices and our DIY-or-pro guide for when to make the call.
Frequently asked questions
Is it legal to kill rats in the UK?
Yes. Rats are not a protected species and there is a legal duty under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949 to keep premises rat-free. Control must still be humane under the Animal Welfare Act 2006, so any trap must be a quick-kill type, set correctly, and checked regularly. Glue traps are now effectively banned for general use: under the Glue Traps (Offences) Act 2022, which came into force in England on 31 July 2024, it is an offence to use a glue trap to catch a rodent unless you are a licensed pest-control professional acting under licence.
Can I buy strong rat poison myself?
Professional-strength rodenticides are restricted to trained, certified users under the UK rodenticide stewardship scheme. Products sold to the public are weaker and the label must be followed exactly to protect children, pets and wildlife such as owls and foxes that eat poisoned rats. For a roof-space infestation, a professional is usually safer and more effective.
Will my council deal with rats?
Many councils offer rat treatment, sometimes free of charge, and you can find the service through gov.uk by entering your postcode. Private British Pest Control Association members are the alternative. Either way, proofing the entry points afterwards is what stops them coming back.
How do I stop rats getting into the loft again?
Rats reach lofts via gaps around eaves, soffits, cables and pipes, and can climb. As a rule of thumb, seal any gap a rat could pass through, often cited as roughly the width of a thumb, with rodent-proof materials such as wire wool set in sealant or metal mesh, cut back branches that bridge to the roof, and remove food sources. Proofing is the lasting fix; baiting alone is not.
Sources
Editor, HomesAndHedge
Oliver Mackman is the editor of HomesAndHedge and is accountable for its editorial standards and sourcing. He ensures every claim is backed by a named source such as the Property Care Association, the RHS, the NHS or gov.uk, and that the site is clear about when a job needs a qualified professional.
Last reviewed: 8 June 2026