A rat infestation occurs when rats invade a structure and make it their home. Rats often find shelter in dark, safe places, which make human homes attractive to these pests. 

The number of rats that can be considered an infestation is anywhere from 5 to 50.

How do you know you have a rat infestation?

When you start to see droppings, nests, or chew holes, that’s when you know you’ve got a rat problem. You may see gnaw marks on your food, and hear noises in the attic or under the house at night. You might even smell a strong, lingering odour.  

Does seeing one rat mean an infestation?

It’s easy to assume that the sighting of one rat means that your home is infested. However, this is not always the case. One rat could have entered your home from a neighbour’s rubbish or from a nearby field. 

Experts recommend sealing up any openings in your house and removing any possible food sources. If you still see more than one rat, then it is time to call a professional.

Once inside the home, rats can cause various problems, including health and structural risks. 

Rats will chew on anything, including electrical wiring, brick, and plastic. They also contaminate furnishings with faeces and urine, potentially spreading disease and causing harm. Rats shed fur, which can allow mites and carpet beetles to flourish, and may lead to allergies and asthma.

How long does a rat infestation last?

The amount of time a rat infestation will last depends on the size of the infestation, as well as the type and age of the home. If there is shelter, food, and water, rats will continue to live and breed.

How long does it take to manage a rat infestation?

To stop an infestation, a professional pest controller may need to make multiple visits over several weeks.

You can encourage rats to leave by removing food sources and sealing entry points into your home, and keeping the property well maintained by removing debris and trash.

The longer the infestation lasts, the more difficult it will be to manage the rats, so you should take preventative action.

Rats are more intelligent than people give them credit for. They may venture quite far from their nests, but they will usually remain in their territory and return to a single nest.

How long does it take for a rat to die after eating poison?

For a rat to die, they need to have eaten a lethal amount of an active ingredient in the poison. 

The lethal amount is dependent on the active ingredient, the amount ingested, the age and weight of the rat, and other factors. A rat will usually die after eating between 5 and 10 grams of an active ingredient.

The symptoms of death can take anywhere from 15 minutes to 12 hours. Rats typically die after convulsing and becoming paralysed.

Australia is home to around 60 native species of rats, but two species pose the most problems for Adelaide homeowners – the Norway rat and the Roof rat. 

These species are “commensal” meaning that they live in close proximity to humans, using us for food and shelter, while only risking human health in return. 

Norway rat

The Norway rat goes by many names, including brown, grey, common, and house rat. Most of these names derive from the species’ appearance – large (18 cm to 25 cm), heavy (285 g to 485 g), and greyish-brown.

Also known as a sewer rat, the Norway rat builds an intricate system of tunnels and burrows at ground level. They are not good climbers and are unlikely to scale buildings or pipes, so if you see one inside your roof, it’s more likely a Roof rat.

Roof rat

Roof rats are also known as fruit rats or black rats. They are smaller than Norway rats (17 cm to 20 cm), usually dark brown, grey, or black.

These rodents infest rafters, roofs, and upper floors of buildings. Due to their preference for fruit, roof rats will nest in trees and dense vegetation. From this high vantage point, it’s easy for them to invade homes via the roof.

Keeping your lawns mowed can discourage rats from burrowing. Long grass can make rats feel protected, and they will move more freely. Trimming long grass against the house and any outbuildings can also discourage rats from comfortably moving inside.

A clean yard is a healthy yard. It’s important to keep your trees and garden tidy. Tidy up fallen fruit or nuts, and regularly clean up animal food and droppings. Keep your poultry areas and aviaries clean and tidy, and only allow enough food for each day. Store all food, including pellets and hay, in closed containers. 

Keep the base of compost bins clear of vegetation, and do not throw meat or dog faeces into the compost bin. Never store wood on the ground. Instead, keep any woodpiles at least 30 cm above the ground. Storing wood on a rack, instead of the ground, or against fences or sheds, can keep your home healthy.

When you keep your yard clean and tidy, rats will have no place to hide and may relocate somewhere more suitable. 

Rats do breed quickly, however, so to ensure that they don’t return, you need to maintain your lawn and gardens year-round.

Do councils manage rats?

Rats are a constant problem due in part to the structure of our cities. In rural areas, they are attracted by livestock, their droppings, and their feed. In suburban and city areas, the proximity of homes and our accumulation of waste quickly lead to infestations.

While it may be possible to prevente rodents from streets, public spaces, and private properties, it’s not feasible for councils to do so. The process would be very costly, disruptive, and time-consuming.

In South Australia, public and environmental health legislation dictates that rodent control is the responsibility of owners and tenants. Some local councils may provide advice, loan traps, or offer other services on request.

What time of day are rats out?

Rats are most active at night. Both Norway rats and Roof rats will venture from their nests to forage once the sun sets. During the day, they prefer to be in a dark and cool place. So, once daybreak nears, rats will retreat back to their nest.

How do you manage rats?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a permanent way to manage rodents, but there are steps you can take to prevent an infestation, including:

• Keeping outdoor areas maintained
• Sealing entry points around the home
• Store food in sealed containers
• Clean and maintain drains and pipes

Once you have an infestation, you may be tempted to try DIY methods. There are many different baits available that can attract rats. Once they have eaten the bait, they will die from the poison.

However, it is important to note that many store-bought baits, traps, and poisons may not be worth the cost. Often, the rodents will just avoid the baits. But these rat control methods can also be dangerous when used without expert knowledge.

Products involving poison as well as traps, like spring-loaded snap traps, can harm children and pets. Professional pest controllers use safe and effective treatments to prevente rats and should come with a warranty.

Can rats hurt my pets?

Rats can pose a risk in homes with pets because they can cause:

• Flea and other pest infestations
• Ringworm
• Leptospirosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Secondary poisoning from rat baits

Can you get sick from rats?

Rodents, including rats and mice, can cause illness. When they come into contact with a disease, they will then bring it into your home. The effect of rats on humans can vary, from allergies to food poisoning to fatal diseases.

Another way rats can make you sick is through their droppings, which can contain various pathogens, so it’s essential to remove droppings safely. It’s impossible to determine how likely you are to get sick, but it’s always better to be safe.

So, if you need to dispose of rat droppings, you should:

• Ventilate the area
• Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles
• Use disposable paper towels to collect the droppings and seal them in a plastic bag
• Dispose of the droppings in an outdoor bin
• Disinfect all surfaces in the area – do not vacuum or sweep, as this can release pathogens into the air
• Dispose of your PPE appropriately, then wash your hands with disinfectant hand wash

A rat infestation is a major problem. These rodents are ugly, dirty, and disease-ridden, so you definitely don’t want them in your home, where they will be close to you, your family, and your friends.

So, if you want to rid your home of rats, you need to act quickly and with care. 

Allstate Pest Control has helped thousands of customers in the Adelaide Area prevente their rat problems. We’re going to share our top tips for rat control. Let’s dive in!

What are rats?

Rats are medium-sized rodents that originated in southeast Asia. They spread throughout the world, with more than 60 different species found worldwide.

These pests can be large or small, depending on the species. The largest ones can weigh up to 2 kg and are the size of a large cat, but most Australian pest rats are between 75 grams and 500 grams. Rats range in colour, including black, brown, grey, and white. 

Regardless of the species, all rats can be prevented in similar ways – by removing access to food, water, and shelter, the three things they need to survive and thrive. 

The presence of rats on your property is a health and safety threat. 

These rodents can carry a variety of diseases, and it’s been recently discovered that rats can transmit Hepatitis E. They can also carry typhus, leptospirosis, and other diseases and bring other disease-spreading pests into your home.

What are the signs of a rat infestation?

If you are unsure if you have a rat infestation in your home, look for the following signs:

Strange smells & sounds

Rats are very loud and are often responsible for gnawing, scratching, and thumping in wall cavities and roofs. They also give off a musty odour. These signs are subtle, but they’re a strong indication that rodents are nearby.

Droppings & smears

Rats leave faeces behind as they move through your home. You may notice small, dark, pellet-shaped faeces along rat pathways. 

Since rats have poor eyesight, they also create and maintain established routes, usually against walls. You can sometimes see grease smears and smudges along these routes, particularly along baseboards.

Footprints

If you suspect rats are in your home, sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and check for fresh tracks in the morning.

Damage

Rats can cause a lot of damage to your home. They eat through electrical wires, gnaw on furniture, storage containers and paper, and contaminate food left out on the counter. They leave droppings and urine throughout your home that can spread disease.

Inspect the home

You’re not going to manage rats unless you figure out where they’re coming from. So, the first step is to inspect your home. 

Make a note of any obvious entry points, such as damaged drains, cracks in your garage door, gaps around vents, and spaces in your foundation.

Keep an eye out for rat activity inside the house. Rats can enter through vents, drains, appliance lines, and other potential access points. 

You’ll know where they are getting in when you see the damage they cause. After that, you can seal those points and set traps to catch them.

Seal the gaps

You may think that a rat needs a large entry point to get into your house, but they can squeeze through any hole that you can stick two fingers through. For this reason, make sure that there are no gaps in your walls. 

Fill these gaps with wire wool, metal kick plates, cement, or caulk for lasting results. Check them every month to make sure they’re well-maintained.

Tip: If you can’t identify entry points, contact Allstate Pest Control for an expert analysis of your property. We service homes and businesses in the Adelaide CBD and surrounding suburbs.

Call in the birds

Owls can help you with your rat problem. Build a water feature like a birdbath and create a nesting box to attract them. It’s a great way to manage not just rats but also other pests in your backyard.

Tip: Don’t attract birds by putting out birdseed. There’s already food enough for the rats, and birdseed may attract more rats to your yard.

How do you manage rats?

Unfortunately, there isn’t a permanent way to manage rodents, but there are steps you can take to prevent an infestation, including:

• Keeping outdoor areas maintained
• Sealing entry points around the home
• Store food in sealed containers
• Clean and maintain drains and pipes

Once you have an infestation, you may be tempted to try DIY methods. There are many different baits available that can attract rats. Once they have eaten the bait, they will die from the poison.

However, it is important to note that many store-bought baits, traps, and poisons may not be worth the cost. Often, the rodents will just avoid the baits. But these rat control methods can also be dangerous when used without expert knowledge.

Products involving poison as well as traps, like spring-loaded snap traps, can harm children and pets. Professional pest controllers use safe and effective treatments to prevente rats and should come with a warranty.

Can rats hurt my pets?

Rats can pose a risk in homes with pets because they can cause:

• Flea and other pest infestations
• Ringworm
• Leptospirosis
• Toxoplasmosis
• Secondary poisoning from rat baits

Can you get sick from rats?

Rodents, including rats and mice, can cause illness. When they come into contact with a disease, they will then bring it into your home. The effect of rats on humans can vary, from allergies to food poisoning to fatal diseases.

Another way rats can make you sick is through their droppings, which can contain various pathogens, so it’s essential to remove droppings safely. It’s impossible to determine how likely you are to get sick, but it’s always better to be safe.

So, if you need to dispose of rat droppings, you should:

• Ventilate the area
• Wear gloves, a mask, and goggles
• Use disposable paper towels to collect the droppings and seal them in a plastic bag
• Dispose of the droppings in an outdoor bin
• Disinfect all surfaces in the area – do not vacuum or sweep, as this can release pathogens into the air
• Dispose of your PPE appropriately, then wash your hands with disinfectant hand wash

Consider trapping

Rat trapping is the most efficient way to prevente rats. If you want to manage rats, but you don’t want to use poison, trap them. To make sure other animals don’t get into the traps, put them in a box or under a milk crate.

When setting your own traps, be sure to use plenty of them. Place them in high-traffic areas. The best bait is peanut butter because it’s cheap and attractive to rats.

Alternatively, try baiting with unsalted seeds, bananas, or apples. If you’re not comfortable setting the traps yourself, contact a professional pest management team to do it for you.

Use natural deterrent methods

Rats have a keen sense of smell and hate strong odours. Once you identify their entry point, you can sprinkle strong-smelling peppermint oil or ground cloves.

Pepper spray is another irritant that may deter these pests. The spray can make rats nauseous and discourage them from coming back in.

Call a professional pest management company

If you suspect a rat infestation, it’s essential to call a professional exterminator. These pests will come back if they’re not well prevented or properly prevented, and a pest controller can give you advice to make sure they don’t return.

If you have rats hiding in your home, a pest management company will find them. A professional exterminator has the tools and knowledge to locate the rats you don’t see, as well as their nesting areas.

An experienced technician will find and prevente all entry points. Then, they will locate their nests and food cache areas. Finally, they will manage the rats with safe and proven methods without damaging your home or causing you harm. All treatments should be safe for you, your family, and the local environment.

But pest control services are not just effective inside the home. Pest technicians can also help you manage rat populations outdoors. Allstate Pest Control uses eco-friendly methods to control outdoor rat populations, such as trapping and deterrents.

Most importantly, a professional service can give you tailored preventative advice, so you don’t waste time on strategies that won’t work for you.