To have had it with this rodent problem

[Feckfeckfeck123]

I'm not sure how much more I can take. We have had a rodent problem on and off since last summer, with them getting into the single storey kitchen extension. We hear them in the roof space and there is also evidence of them getting inside the kitchen (some packets of cereal and pasta tampered with, biscuit and flour test). Called out pest control twice - private companies as council won't help due to Covid. PC put the usual poison down but weren't able to help identify the entry point(s), simply recommended we have a drain survey as it might be a defect in a drain that goes under the building. Spent £££s on a cctv drain survey but turns out drains are fine and the contractor suggested we recheck our roof. The roofer has identified some holes which MAY be the entry point but DH thinks we should have the whole roof redone. There are lots of small holes and raised tiles which can't be nailed down without causing breakage. We have spent close to 1k already and simply can't afford to keep forking out like this.

To make the problem worse, a rat died in the roof space or cavity wall and the smell has been unbearable for weeks. PC came to remove it but failed to locate it. Since last week I've found maggots in the kitchen, which I'm guessing is due to the hidden corpse. My kitchen is always really clean, food put away, no crumbs anywhere like the rest of the house. I have always ensured my house is immaculate. We have a small baby and whilst I should be spending my time enjoying the early months I'm at my wits end constantly worrying about them getting into the rest of the house.

WIBU to torch the place if the problem persists even after we get the roof done next week?

[Feckfeckfeck123]

Door and window in kitchen are sound. In fact we installed all new windows and front/back door when we moved two years ago, and no holes anywhere. PC checked all around the property ground level and there's nothing to worry about there either. We placed an insulation blanket in the roof space before the cladding went up so it's definitely nice and toasty up there! I guess the rats enjoy the warmth.

I'm not 100% sure what the wall is like, will have to ask someone that knows. All I know is that wall is single brick. Floor is concrete, I remember it was slightly uneven when we moved in so DH's friend used the leveling compound stuff to sort it.

[Thumbelina7]

As long as there is food or shelter they will keep turning up.

All access holes need to be sealed, every single potential food source in your home or garden needs to be protected from rats.

Do you have neighbours feeding birds? Ask them to stop for a few weeks and see if there is any difference.

Please don't use poison as it is a myth that they crawl off to die. If any eat poison and are caught/eaten by wildlife or cats these animals will also be poisoned.

Poison also doesn't address the root issue as again, if food and shelter are available, a new rat will move in and take the place of the deceased one.

Dead rats in random spots you might not be able to access to remove may also attract more nasties which isn't pleasant.

Have you tried Humane Wildlife Solutions? He actually tackles the root issues attracting rats to your property to prevent them setting up shop and keep them moving on