Rats are a major risk to the health of the community. They can assist transmission of serious diseases, including the plague, dysentery, leptospirosis and typhus fever.

Their fleas, lice and ticks can also adversely affect pets and humans.

Their excreta and hair contaminate food and utensils, causing food poisoning and economic loss. Rat colonies damage and foul buildings and furnishings, and they generate a terrible smell.

Rats’ gnawing will damage buildings, pipes, conduits and wiring and has been the cause of electrical fires.

Rats normally come out at night and usually are not seen unless they are very hungry or present in large numbers.

Spot the rat

To check whether rats are around, look for:

• droppings (12mm to 18mm long)
• debris such as snail shells with the sides eaten out, almond shells, cape lilac berries, chop bones, etc left in the corners of sheds, under homes and other secluded spots
• signs of fruit and vegetables having been eaten
• greasy rub marks along paths they travel
• burrow holes around buildings
• signs of gnawing damage
• pet dogs, cats, birds being more excitable than usual
• squeaking, gnawing or movement noises in walls, cupboard and ceilings and under floors

Avoiding rat problems

• store firewood away from the sides of sheds and fences and keep it well clear (40cm) off the ground
• regularly remove or limit garden waste or other disused material in sheds or around your yard
• remove fruit and nuts from trees or vines at the end of the season
• block holes and other potential access points around all buildings
• keep pet food dishes clean and store bulk pet food supplies in a manner which denies access to rats
• rubbish bins and compost containers should be well maintained and free from holes. Meat scraps must never be composted
• thoroughly examine your property to ensure you have discouraged rats from making your home their home

For further information read the  Facts on rats brochure (PDF 153KB)