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Introduction to rats
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.
Signs of rats
Rats are very sneaky creatures. They get into places we never think about, so they could be hiding just out of sight. If you do see a rat, especially during the day, there is probably a large population nearby, and you need to seek expert advice.
Although they may be hidden, rats do leave noticeable traces, which you should look out for. If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a pest control company as soon as possible.
- Rat droppings: Norway rat droppings are capsule-shaped, between 1.8 cm and 2 cm long, while Roof rat droppings are around 1.2 cm with pointed ends.
- Gnaw marks: Rats gnaw to control their teeth growth, usually on wood, food containers and wiring.
- Eaten food: fruit, vegetables, and pet foods missing, destroyed, or chewed, or rubbish pulled from bins.
- Rat runs: the repeated paths rats take to their shelters which may look like footprints, flattened grass, smudges against baseboards, or worn tracks on flooring.
- Sounds: squeaking, gnawing, scratching, thumping, or other movements in cupboards, ceilings, or under floors.
Discouraging rat infestations
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rats
What do rats eat?
One of the first signs of rats in the home comes from their foraging. Both Norway rats and Roof rats are omnivores – they will eat almost anything they can find. Common food that attracts rats includes compost, garden fruit, pet food, human scrap food, and other smaller pests.
Do rats only live in dirty houses?
Although rats don’t mind mess and clutter, they are often also found in clean homes.
These pests are attracted to any space that provides them with easy access to food, water, and shelter, which they can find in surprising ways. Rats may live in and around clean homes with fruit trees, pets, poultry, undisturbed roof spaces, or faulty plumbing.
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 far do rats travel from their nest?
Norway rats will travel about 30 to 50 metres from their burrows or nests when looking for food or water. They will mark this territory with urine to deter new rats and other intruders.
Roof rats travel farther from their nest, up to 100 metres, for food. Once they find a good supply, this species will hoard food nearby.
How can you tell how many rats are in your house?
Determining the size of a rodent infestation can help guide you and your pest controller on the best course of action.
It can be difficult to know the extent of a rat problem because they are surprisingly good at staying hidden. It’s unlikely that you’ll see a rat during the day, and if you do, the infestation is probably already large.
Some ways to tell how many rats are in your home is by:
- Using a black light to identify hidden urine, faeces, and chew marks on walls and furniture
- Paying attention to the number of droppings found – the more droppings, the more rats
- Finding multiple nests
- Noticing rat activity during the day – seeing rats during the day is a sign that there’s a substantial infestation
- Checking for electrical wiring problems
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.
How do I keep rats out of my home?
Rat populations can grow quickly if they are not being controlled. So, it’s important to prevent rats nesting and breeding in and around your house.
You can prevent a rat infestation in your home through exclusion methods, including:
- Cutting back trees and bushes that may provide cover and water
- Keeping your home and yard clean and free of food sources (e.g. dropped fruit, rubbish, pet food)
- Securing rubbish bins
- Fill holes, cracks, and gaps in walls and roof
- Keeping your house tidy
- Adopt a cat
- Call a professional pest controller
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
Does Adelaide have a rat problem?
Rats are found throughout Australia, in every city, including Adelaide. As our population increases and housing becomes denser, the population of rats has also increased.
It’s likely that rats will always be a problem in Adelaide, so it’s important to prevent them and control them in your home.
Are rats common in Australia?
The extent of the rat infestation in Australia is somewhat unclear, owing to the difficulty of estimating rat densities. But some regions in Australia have higher reported infestations of rats and rat-related diseases.
Australia has been infested with rats for at least 150 years, and they are now a significant problem for the local ecosystem. Rats have been seen in Sydney Harbour since the early 1800s, and the infestation is widespread.
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