The ultimate nighttime ratting gear guide

Nighttime ratting demands equipment that performs when natural light disappears and vermin control becomes tactical work. Whether you’re clearing feed stores after dark or managing persistent infestations around farm buildings, having kit you can put your trust in transforms occasional outings into systematic pest management.

This season’s selections reflect the particular requirements of nocturnal ratting: compact, moderated air rifles that can deliver rapid follow-up shots without alerting other potential targets nearby; premium pellets engineered for shot-to-shot consistency that removes ammunition as a variable; thermal imaging that clearly reveals warm-bodied rats against complex farmyard backgrounds; stable shooting platforms that enable precision shots from awkward positions in darkness; and practical carry solutions for the charging equipment PCP rifles demand.

We’ve focused on gear addressing the unique challenges of working after sunset – equipment that functions when you cannot rely on daylight, when targets appear briefly against cluttered settings illuminated only by residual heat signatures, and when shot placement must be instantaneous and humane. These products represent genuine solutions to real-world night-ratting scenarios, selected for proven performance in the conditions that matter most to shooters taking nocturnal pest control seriously.

The HW100 Bullpup proves that accuracy and mobility can be on point while balance remains uncompromised. Born from Weihrauch’s famous HW100 series, this bullpup configuration delivers ultimate performance for nighttime ratting when manoeuvrability matters. The Karbine version (HW100 BPK) measures just 73.5cm overall yet maintains the full-length model’s 14-round magazine capacity. Weighing 3.3kg, the rifle proves steady when pointing despite the reduced bulk.

This bullpup’s real advantage lies in this abbreviated length – weight sits closer to the shooter, making the gun lightning fast to aim when rats appear suddenly in thermal scope view. The black, ambidextrous soft-touch stock accommodates both left- and right-handed shooters, while Weihrauch’s two-stage match trigger provides crisp, predictable breaks for precision shot placement. Fast-fire sidelever action allows rapid follow-up shots when multiple rats present themselves.

As standard, the HW100 Bullpup comes fitted with a Weihrauch 1/2in High Efficiency Silencer – known to be one of the quietest on the market. For night ratting this suppression proves essential, allowing you to work a location without the sharp crack that would scatter every rat within earshot. The combination of pre-charged pneumatic operation and Weihrauch’s exceptional sound moderator creates a package that can deliver shot after shot without alerting nearby targets. Every rifle supplied by Hull Cartridge carries its barrel stamp guaranteeing factory-approved warranty.

RRP £1,285 hullcartridge.co.uk

Ammunition consistency determines success in nighttime ratting and JTS Dead Center pellets represent the result of multimillion dollar investment in manufacturing. Their consistency translates directly to predictable point of impact, shot after shot – crucial when engaging rats at farmyard distances using thermal or lamp-assisted aiming where environmental cues are limited.

JTS invested in proprietary equipment incorporating standardisation of tooling, SMED (single minute exchange of dies), and “no adjust” tooling protocols. This approach ensures every pellet maintains dimension and weight uniformity. Available in multiple weights including 16.08-gr and 18.1-gr options in .22 calibre, JTS Dead Center pellets allow ratters to match ammunition to their rifle’s preferences. Pellets of this standard remove ammunition as a variable.

RRP from £10 shootingparty.uk

The Pixfra Draco D225-4K represents genuine innovation in night observation technology, combining four distinct imaging systems in a single handheld unit. This 4-in-1 multispectral device integrates thermal imaging (256×192, <18mK NETD sensor), 4K daytime optics, 4K low-light and night-vision optics (3840×2160 CMOS sensor), and a built-in laser rangefinder that is accurate to 1,000m. For ratters, this means having one device that handles every lighting condition from bright daylight through twilight to complete darkness.

The automatic day/night function monitors ambient light levels, switching from full-colour day optics to black-and-white night vision during dusk-to-night transition without manual intervention. Pixfra’s PIPS 3.0 AI super-resolution technology maintains consistent image clarity across all modes. The dual-battery system provides up to nine hours of battery life – sufficient for extended ratting sessions.

A new multifunction control wheel mimics traditional binocular mechanisms, making zooming intuitive in darkness. Built-in video recording captures sessions for review, while Pixfra app connectivity enables firmware updates and settings management.

RRP £999.95 pixfraoutdoor.co.uk

Thermal imaging has revolutionised nighttime ratting, and HikMicro’s latest offerings provide accessible entry points into this capability. The Lynx 3.0 handheld thermal monocular offers dedicated spotting capability in compact formats. The LH25 3.0 model provides serious detection capability for ratters who prefer to scan and assess locations before deploying their rifle. The LH19 3.0 offers similar functionality suited to typical ratting ranges within 50 yards. Both models allow you to glass farmyard buildings and rat runs, identifying active areas before setting up for shooting.

For integrated riflescope solutions, the Alpex Lite A40EL brings digital day/night capability at accessible price points. Designed specifically for airguns, this scope delivers colour imagery through daylight that automatically transitions to night vision as ambient light diminishes. HikMicro’s technology reveals rats as bright heat signatures against cooler backgrounds, cutting through visual confusion that defeats lamp-assisted shooting. Residual warmth from machinery and building walls that would obscure targets becomes manageable – the rat’s warm body stands distinctly separate from environmental thermal noise.

RRP Lynx 3.0 LH19 £899.99 / RRP Lynx 3.0 LH25 £1,049.99 RRP Alpex Lite A40EL £599.99 hikmicrotech.com

Stable shooting platforms prove essential for night ratting where you cannot rely on natural reference points, and Ernest Hill’s hydraulic quad sticks bring genuine engineering innovation to field shooting support. The innovative hydraulic system provides a second degree of freedom – allowing lateral tracking with adjustable damping and locking – that transforms how you engage multiple targets without repositioning your entire setup. Hill’s quad sticks feature the widest azimuth angle of any quad sticks on the market.

This matters when rats appear at different points across a farmyard – traditional sticks require lifting and replanting to track between targets, creating noise and movement. The hydraulic system enables silent, seamless panning without disturbing your shooting position. The sticks can be configured for standing or seated shooting, adapting to varied terrain. Adjustable damping provides control over rifle movement – loose for rapid target acquisition, locked solid when taking the shot. Constructed from lightweight carbon fibre and aluminium, they disassemble to under 1m for very compact storage.

RRP £449.99 airriflepump.com