Rats are a widespread problem throughout the community as they cause damage to buildings and can spread disease. They reproduce rapidly with an average number of 10 rats per litter, with 3-12 litters produced by one female in a year. It is almost impossible to completely eradicate rats, however there are simple ways we can reduce and control their numbers.

How do I know if I have a rat problem?

Signs to look for when detecting rats include:

• Thin black droppings that are around 1cm in length.
• Rat runs. Rodents prefer to run alongside a wall or fence rather than across a room or open space. Keeping close to walls or fences, the rat eventually creates a distinctive "path" and their fur leaves greasy smears on walls or fences. By following this rat run, the location of the rat shelter may be identified.
• Damage to a variety of materials with obvious gnawing marks.
• Partially eaten fruit, vegetables and other food matter that have teeth marks in them.

What do rats eat?

Potential food sources include:

• Fruit, vegetables and nuts including those on the tree and on the ground.
• Compost material.
• Pet foods such as canned and dry dog or cat food, poultry grain and bird seeds.
• Snails, worms and insects.
• Anything edible.

What can I do to discourage rats?

Rats live close to human activity because they are provided with a continuous source of food and shelter (harbourage). Therefore in order to discourage rats we need to limit the food source and remove materials that may provide harbourage.

This includes:

• Keep your property clean and tidy. Remove materials that may provide harbourage for rats, such as old machinery, timber piles, overgrown vegetation, general litter and any unwanted items.
• Stack timber at least 30cm off the ground. Do not store it on the ground or against sheds and fences.
• Ensure all grass is kept short around your property.
• All food scraps should be kept in a container with a tight fitting lid. Keep the base of compost bins clear of vegetation and do not add meat and dog faeces to the bin.
• Regularly remove fallen fruit and nuts from around trees.
• Store all poultry and animal food in metal bins with tight fitting lids.
• Regularly clear waste products from poultry yards and aviaries and only provide enough food scraps for that day.
• Prune branches away from building to prevent access to the roof. Seal up holes in brick work or roofing materials using hard setting filler (e.g concrete) or alternatively use a metal material such as wire mesh or steel wool.

How do I remove rats from my property?

Rat baits are the simplest and most effective way to get rid of rat infestations. The City of Mitcham does not have a rat baiting service, however baits are available from hardware stores and supermarkets. When purchasing baits, look for those in the block form that are also one-dose baits (this will be marked on the packaging). Baits should be placed in areas where rats frequently visit, away from open spaces, and should be inaccessible by children and pets. A simple bait station that keeps the bait away from pets can be made from a short length of PVC pipe (approximately 400mm-800mm long). Secure the pipe where the rats are active (e.g on the ground or on fence railing) and leave for a day or two without bait, then place bait inside. Check bait daily and replenish as required.

If baiting in the ceiling, make sure that all rat activity has ceased before sealing holes in the roof space. This will minimise the risk of rats dying in the roof or wall cavity.

Rat traps can also be used, however repeat trapping may not be successful and baiting may be necessary if the problem persists. Foods that can be placed on rat traps include fruit, liquorice, fried bacon, metwurst or salami.

Trapping and poisoning will kill rats, however it is only a temporary measure. Rats will return if conditions are favourable for their existence. A combination of the above methods is the most effective way to deal with a rat infestation.

For further information and advice, please contact the Environmental Health Division on 8372 8816.