Yorkshire is facing a rat crisis. Data from the UK's largest pest control companies shows the region experienced a 20% year-on-year increase in rodent activity, placing Yorkshire among the UK's worst-affected areas. Climate change—with record warm summers and sustained flooding—is driving rats indoors as burrows flood and breeding seasons lengthen. With approximately 74% of UK brown rats carrying genetic resistance to supermarket rodenticides, professional treatment is no longer optional for many households.
Understanding Rat Control Costs in Yorkshire
Council rat control near me services can be a budget-friendly option but are increasingly limited. North Yorkshire Council increased its rat call-out fee to £120 from April 2026. However, residents in areas like Bradford no longer have a council pest control service at all, leaving them to find private contractors. Private specialists, like those in Harrogate, typically charge from £127 to £280.
Top 5 Rat Control Services in Yorkshire
1. Apex Pest Control ⭐ RECOMMENDED
Coverage: Sheffield, Leeds, Rotherham, Barnsley & wider Yorkshire
Price: From £160 + VAT (2 visits included)
Apex is a BPCA-certified, family-run business established in 2016. They have served over 1,000 customers across the region. Their rat control programme includes a survey, proofing recommendations, treatment with commercial-grade rodenticides in tamper-resistant stations safe for children and pets, and two follow-up visits to monitor activity and remove carcasses. Apex has a 100% resolution rate for customers who complete the full treatment programme and provides a 30-day guarantee after the final visit. Their technicians are CRRU Code of Best Practice compliant and carry £5M public liability insurance.
Key advantage: Fixed pricing with no call-out fee and comprehensive follow-up.
2. MJ Backhouse Pest Control
Coverage: Leeds, York, Hull, Huddersfield & Wakefield
Price: Contact for quote
A family-run business with over 35 years of experience, MJ Backhouse has been operating since 1988. They are members of the NPTA and hold Safe Contractor and CHAS accreditations. Their team provides a quick and reactive response, often with same-day treatment available, and are confident in resolving issues on the first visit.
3. Total Pest Control Yorkshire Limited
Coverage: Wakefield & surrounding areas
Price: Contact for quote
With a perfect 5.0 rating from 388 reviews, Total Pest Control is highly regarded for fast, effective service. Customers consistently praise their friendly, knowledgeable team who arrive within hours. They provide multiple follow-up visits to ensure complete resolution, with no hidden costs or upselling.
4. The Pest Company
Coverage: Leeds, York, Harrogate, Bradford & Huddersfield
Price: Contact for quote
The Pest Company holds a 5.0 rating from 23 reviews and operates 24/7. Customers describe the service as professional and efficient, with one reviewer noting they were "less than half the price of what other companies quoted". They provide thorough, mess-free work with clear communication throughout.
5. Bawcro Pest Control
Coverage: Agricultural and commercial properties across Yorkshire
Price: Contact for quote
Bawcro specialises in rat control for farms, commercial units, and rural estates—particularly beneficial for agricultural clients facing persistent infestations-1. They provide thorough site inspections, entry point sealing, and safe, tamper-proof bait solutions designed for properties where children, pets, or livestock are present.
What to Expect from Professional Treatment
A typical professional service includes a thorough property survey to assess infestation size and identify entry points, proofing recommendations to prevent re-infestation, professional-grade baiting in tamper-proof stations, and follow-up visits to monitor activity. With health risks including leptospirosis and salmonella spread through rat urine and droppings, professional treatment also ensures safe handling and disposal of contaminated materials.
For guaranteed, professional rat control, choose rat control near me—fixed pricing, no call-out fees, and a comprehensive two-visit programme with a 30-day guarantee. Book your professional rat assessment today.