If you’ve discovered rats in your attic in Bridgend or nearby areas, the attic is often where the problem is noticed — but it’s rarely where rats first enter the property.

In most cases, rats gain access at ground level or via drains, then travel internally through wall cavities, pipe runs, or shared structures before appearing in loft spaces.

With over 27 years’ experience in pest control, including 11 years working across Bridgend and South Wales, we’ve dealt with every type of rat problem — from isolated attic activity to complex infestations involving drains, shared walls, and neighbouring properties.

In our experience, rats rarely enter attics directly. In most Bridgend properties we investigate, access is gained at ground level or via drainage systems before rats travel internally through wall cavities.

Areas We Commonly Deal With Around Bridgend

We regularly investigate attic rat problems in areas surrounding Bridgend, including Pyle, Porthcawl, Kenfig Hill, Cornelly, Brackla, Laleston, and nearby villages. In many cases, the visible activity appears in one property while the original entry point is located elsewhere, particularly in terraced or closely connected housing common throughout the Bridgend area.

Lofts are warm, quiet, and undisturbed, which makes them ideal nesting areas. Once rats gain access to the structure of a property, they can move upwards using internal routes.

This is why scratching noises and activity are often noticed in ceilings and lofts even though the original entry point is usually lower down.

This is why some properties experience repeated infestations — the visible area is treated, but the original entry point is missed.

Common entry routes into properties around Bridgend

During investigation work in Bridgend and surrounding areas, the most common access points we find include:

• Defective or shared drains and sewer connections

• Gaps around soil pipes and waste pipes

• Broken or poorly sealed air bricks

• Gaps around cables and service entry points

• Cracked brickwork hidden by render or pebble-dash

• Adjoining properties in terraced and semi-detached homes

Why treating the attic alone often leads to repeat problems

Traps or bait placed in the loft may reduce activity short term, but if the true access route remains open, rats can return.

This is why some properties experience repeated infestations — the visible area is treated, but the original entry point is missed.

Frequently asked questions

Do rats enter through the roof or fascia boards?

Sometimes, but it’s uncommon. Most attic rat problems begin with access lower down and movement upwards inside the building.

Can rats climb into attics?

Yes. Rats can climb pipework, rough surfaces, and internal structures once they’re inside a property.

Why do rats keep coming back after treatment?

Usually because the entry point hasn’t been identified or sealed, or activity is migrating from adjoining properties.

Do rat flaps always solve attic rat problems?

Only if the sewer system is confirmed as the access route. If rats are entering above ground, a rat flap alone won’t stop them.

Are terraced houses harder to deal with?

Yes. Shared walls and drains allow activity to move between properties, so investigations often need a wider view.