Rats and mice
in Cardiff.

How to tell rat and mouse signs apart

Cardiff Council describes rats as much larger than mice. If you find droppings, compare their size and pattern rather than relying on a single sign.

These are clues, not a diagnosis. If you’re uncertain, note what you saw and where. Avoid moving or handling bait and suspected nesting material, and keep children and pets away from the area.

Why rodents show up around homes

Cardiff Council’s guidance points to the same basics that attract rodents elsewhere: accessible food, water and shelter. Open or overflowing bins, spilled bird food, pet food left outside, compost, standing water and cluttered garden areas can all make a property more appealing.

The council also notes that damaged drains and gaps in brickwork can provide routes into a building. If activity appears to come from a wall, floor or drain, record the location and tell the provider; a treatment plan may need to consider the access point as well as the animal.

Simple prevention checks for Cardiff homes

• Close off easy food: keep bin lids shut, clear spilled birdseed, and store pet food in a sealed container.
• Reduce shelter near the building: check sheds, stored materials and overgrown corners for signs of activity.
• Look for access points: note gaps near pipes, vents, damaged brickwork and the roofline for a provider to assess.
• Keep a short activity log: write down when and where you see or hear signs. This can help distinguish recurring activity from a one-off sighting.

Prevention may reduce attractants, but it doesn’t confirm that an infestation is gone. If signs continue, ask for a property inspection and a written plan that explains follow-up visits and proofing.

What does Cardiff Council charge?

At the time this guide was checked, Cardiff Council’s published residential rates list £75 for rats and £75 for mice, with three visits listed for each. The council says its listed prices include VAT. Check the service page directly before booking, as charges and availability can change.

For a private quote, compare what the fee actually covers: inspection, treatment, repeat visits, bait or traps, proofing and aftercare. A lower starting price may not include the same number of visits or work.

Check Cardiff Council’s pest-control service and current prices ↗

Questions to ask a pest controller

1. Will you inspect inside and outside and explain what you find?
2. How many visits are included, and what would an extra visit cost?
3. Does the plan include advice on the route rodents are using and how to proof it?
4. Which qualifications and insurance does the technician have? If relevant, check BPCA membership in the association’s own provider search.