Rats in your garden in Milton Keynes: what to do

Short answer: If you see rats in your Milton Keynes garden, remove what feeds and shelters them first: stop or move bird feeding, secure bins and animal feed, and keep compost covered and turned. You (the owner or occupier) are responsible for rats on your own land; report rats on public land or coming from a neighbour to MK Environmental Health on 01908 252398. Call a pest controller if they persist or get indoors.

First: take away food, water and shelter

Bird feeders: BPCA advises removing them or keeping them as far from the house as possible (BPCA autumn pest-proofing advice). Gardeners' World suggests stopping bird feeding if you suspect rats (BBC Gardeners' World: rats in the garden).
Bins and feed: keep outdoor bins securely closed and pick up fallen fruit (BPCA autumn pest-proofing advice); store bird and pet food in secure containers (BBC Gardeners' World: rats in the garden).
Compost: turn it regularly, keep it moist and covered (BPCA); don't add meat, dairy or cooked food, and chicken wire round the base stops burrowing (Gardeners' World).
Gaps into the house: rats need only about 15 mm; fill cracks with wire wool and quick-drying cement (BPCA autumn pest-proofing advice).

Who is responsible in MK?

The owner or occupier deals with rats on their own land (Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949). For public land, communal council areas, or rats coming from a neighbour's property, contact MK Environmental Health on 01908 252398 (Milton Keynes City Council).

Why not just put poison down?

Gardeners' World warns that DIY poison or traps in a garden can be dangerous to other wildlife (BBC Gardeners' World: rats in the garden). A professional can also check drains, a common route for rats.

What it costs

Checkatrade's MK pest/vermin average is £212 (typically £146–£317) (Checkatrade MK pest control page). Ask whether follow-up visits and proofing are included.

What MK firms publish for rats

Area Pest Control UK Ltd3 visits, from £98 per visit incl. VAT

PestBait2-visit course from £125; extra visits from £60

Hunter Pest Services£175 per infestation incl. up to 3 visits; then £50 a visit

JG Pest Controlfrom £329.99 + VAT (most areas; depends on postcode)

4 of 22 firms we checked publish a price for rats on their own website. The rest don't show one online, so ask for a written quote.

Taken from each firm's own site, checked 16 Oct 2026. These are "from" prices, not quotes. See the full MK price index

FAQs

Do bird feeders attract rats?

Yes, spilled seed is a food source. BPCA advises removing feeders or keeping them far from the house; Gardeners' World suggests pausing bird feeding if rats are visiting.

Will Milton Keynes Council deal with rats in my garden?

Not on private land you own or occupy. Report rats on public land, in communal council areas or coming from a neighbour to MK Environmental Health (01908 252398).

How small a gap can a rat get through?

About 15 mm, according to BPCA.