Rats are a persistent problem in both urban and rural areas, causing damage to property and posing health risks to humans and animals. While there are many methods of rodent control available today, one traditional and highly effective solution is making a comeback: ratting with dogs. This natural pest control method is fast, efficient, environmentally friendly, and humane when performed responsibly.
Ratting with dogs refers to the practice of using trained terriers or other rat-hunting breeds to locate and dispatch rats. This technique dates back centuries and is especially effective in areas where conventional poisons and traps may not be suitable — such as farms, barns, outbuildings, and densely populated urban settings.
At Country Pest Solutions, we use trained Lakeland Terriers for our K9 pest control service. Lakeland Terriers are a working terrier breed with a long history in the Lake District, originally bred to hunt foxes and vermin in the rocky fells. Their tenacity, intelligence, and natural hunting instinct make them exceptionally well-suited to ratting work.
1. Chemical-Free and Eco-Friendly — One of the biggest advantages of using dogs for rat control is that it eliminates the need for toxic rodenticides. Many modern pest control methods rely on chemicals that can harm wildlife, pets, and even children. Ratting with dogs provides a natural and safe alternative, reducing environmental impact and making it ideal for use near water courses, in organic farming operations, or in areas with vulnerable wildlife.
2. Fast and Effective Rodent Removal — Ratting dogs are incredibly efficient. Their keen sense of smell and agility allow them to find and eliminate rats quickly, often uncovering hidden infestations that traps and baits might miss. A well-trained team of dogs can clear dozens of rats in a single session.
3. Reduces Risk of Secondary Poisoning — Rodenticides don't just kill rats — they can also poison animals that feed on the dead rodents, including birds of prey such as barn owls and red kites, foxes, and domestic pets. Using dogs for ratting avoids this danger entirely, making it a safer solution for farms and rural properties in particular.
4. Cost-Effective Pest Control — For many property owners, repeated use of traps and poisons can become expensive over time. Ratting with dogs can be a more affordable long-term solution, especially when dealing with recurring infestations in large or hard-to-reach areas.
5. Highly Targeted and Humane — When done correctly, ratting with dogs is quick and causes minimal suffering. It also ensures that only the intended target is affected, unlike traps or poisons that may harm non-target species.
Ratting dogs are ideal for farms and agricultural buildings, urban alleyways and waste areas, horse stables and kennels, industrial sites and warehouses, and rural homes and outbuildings. If you're dealing with a persistent rat problem, this method can offer fast relief without the downsides of traditional pest control.
Country Pest Solutions offers professional ratting services with trained Lakeland Terriers across St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool, Wirral, and the wider North West. We also travel further afield for the right job — contact us to discuss your requirements.
Available 7 days a week across St Helens, Warrington, Liverpool and the North West.