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Rats or mice? How to tell from the signs

Short answer: The quickest way to tell rats from mice is droppings: rat droppings are roughly 13–19 mm long, like a large grain of rice or bigger, while mouse droppings are about 3–6 mm. Rats also leave greasy smear marks and burrows outside, while mice leave many scattered droppings and a strong ammonia smell.
SignRats (brown rat)Mice
DroppingsAbout 13–19 mm, often groupedAbout 3–6 mm, scattered (up to ~80 a day)
Other marksGreasy smear marks, footprints, tail drag, burrows in gardensSmall nests of shredded material, gnawed packaging
SmellMustyStrong ammonia-like smell
WhereDrains, under decking, compost, gardens; into homes via damaged drainsIndoors: kitchens, under units, lofts, behind appliances

Sources: Biosecurity for Life droppings guide, BPCA rat advice, BPCA mice leaflet.

Who has to deal with it in MK?

Under the Prevention of Damage by Pests Act 1949, an owner or occupier must deal with rats or mice on their own land. Report rats on public land, in communal areas of council property or coming from a neighbour to MK Environmental Health on 01908 252398 (Milton Keynes City Council). Council tenants are responsible for treatment inside their own home.

Typical cost

Checkatrade puts general MK pest/vermin control jobs at £212 on average (typically £146–£317) (Checkatrade MK pest control page).

What MK firms publish for rats and mice

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.

Mice

Area Pest Control UK Ltd3 visits, from £98 per visit incl. VAT
PestBait2-visit course from £125; extra visits from £60
Hunter Pest Services£150 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 mice 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

How can I tell rat droppings from mouse droppings?

Rat droppings are about 13–19 mm long; mouse droppings are about 3–6 mm, like a grain of rice.

Who do I call about rats on public land in Milton Keynes?

Milton Keynes City Council Environmental Health on 01908 252398.

Is the council responsible for rats in my council house?

No. MK council tenants are responsible for treatment inside their home; the council deals with communal areas.

MK firms that handle this

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What do MK firms charge? How much pest control costs in Milton Keynes

Last checked 2026-10-16. Prices are published guide prices or third-party averages, not quotes.

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