How to Get Rid of Rats

Rats can enter houses through small openings, settle inside roof spaces or wall cavities and remain hidden until their activity becomes noticeable. Scratching sounds at night, droppings, gnawed materials and damaged food packaging are some of the most common warning signs.

To get rid of rats, you need to identify where they are feeding, nesting and entering the property. Remove accessible food and water, position suitable traps in active areas, address entry points and continue monitoring for fresh signs. Rat baits must be handled carefully, particularly around children, pets and native wildlife. When activity continues or rats are nesting in inaccessible areas, professional rat control may be required.

Can You Get Rid of Rats in Australia?

Yes, rats can be effectively removed from Australian homes with the right approach. While DIY methods may offer short-term relief, complete eradication usually requires a combination of removal, exclusion, and ongoing monitoring. Because rats reproduce quickly and adapt easily to urban environments, professional pest control is often the most reliable way to resolve the problem and reduce the risk of reinfestation fully.

In densely populated areas such as Brisbane and the Gold Coast, rat activity can increase due to food availability, ongoing development, and seasonal changes, making early intervention especially important.

Australia is known for its diverse wildlife. While we have impressive and magnificent animals like kangaroos and great white sharks, we also have a number of smaller, pesky creatures that often find their way into our homes. One of the most common household pests is the rat.

There are roughly 60 native species of rats in Australia. Though small, rats can pose huge health risks, transmitting over 35 diseases. Not to mention the physical damage they can cause by gnawing on electrical wires.

Ever wonder where these bothersome little creatures came from? Ever think about how they got to Australia and into your home? Most importantly, are you trying to figure out how to get rid of rats in your house? No dramas. We answer all your burning questions in the guide below.

Signs You May Have Rats

Rats are generally more active at night, so you may notice evidence of them before seeing a live animal. Common signs include:

• Scratching, running or gnawing sounds in the roof or walls
• Dark droppings in cupboards, storage areas or along walls
• Gnaw marks on timber, plastic, food packaging or wiring
• Greasy rub marks along frequently used pathways
• Shredded paper, insulation or fabric used as nesting material
• Unusual odours coming from roof spaces or wall cavities
• Pet behaviour focused on a particular wall, cupboard or ceiling area
• Food packaging that has been chewed or damaged
• Rats moving around sheds, bins, gardens or outdoor entertaining areas

Fresh droppings, repeated noises or newly damaged materials usually indicate current activity. These signs can also help determine where traps or monitoring devices should be positioned.

Australian Rats: Their Origins and History

Research has indicated that most rats and rodents living in Australia today descended from a single species that arrived from Asia in two colonisations. One arrived roughly 5 to 6 million years ago, while the other entered roughly 1 million years ago. It is believed that one or multiple rodents came to Australia by sea, clinging to drifting foliage, such as coconut palms. According to researchers, these rats colonised Australia before humans did.

However, other species of rats are believed to have travelled with the help of human intervention. Black and brown rats, for instance, arrived in Australia with the European settlers on ships; this is exactly how these rats have spread to many other places on the planet as well. In fact, skeletons of black rats were discovered in the gun barrels of some Dutch ships that sank off the western coast of Australia back in 1616. However, it is estimated that larger numbers of black rats probably didn’t enter Australia until much later, with the First Fleet in 1788.

Brown rats are also believed to have come to Australia with the British, though there is little evidence to suggest exactly when this occurred.

How Do Rats Get Into Your House?

Now, if we ask the question “How did rats get here?” on a more micro-scale, you’re probably asking how rats came to be in your home. You may start noticing some strange sounds coming from inside your walls (scratching, running or gnawing), or you might see some black droppings around the house. When those tell-tale signs start to appear, it’s clear that you’ve got a rat problem. But the question remains: how did they get there?

There are a few possible origins for rat infestations in Australian households. Some of these common causes include:

• Food – Like all animals, rats get hungry. So, if you’re leaving food lying around your home, rats will sniff it out and keep coming back to what they perceive as a consistent food source.
• Pet waste and compost – If you have compostable foods out in your yard, that’s also an attractive meal to rats. When they come to your yard, they can quite easily infiltrate your home.
• Leaking pipes – Rats need a water source, and they aren’t picky about where it comes from. If you’ve got a leaking pipe, this could attract rats who are in need of a reliable watering hole.
• Indoor plants – Certain types of rats are especially attracted to the fruit. So, if you’ve got an indoor fruit plant, you could be at a higher risk of a rat infestation.

Once you properly identify your rat infestation source, this will help you better understand how to handle the problem and prevent a re-infestation down the line.

How to Get Rid of Rats in Australia

Rats are a common problem in Australian households, and understanding how they get into your home is just the first step. To effectively get rid of rats, you need to use a combination of elimination and prevention techniques. Here are the best ways to address and prevent rat infestations:

1. Poison Bait

Poison bait is one of the most widely used methods for getting rid of rats. Available in many retail stores across Australia and online, rat poison typically contains bromadiolone, which prevents the rat’s body from recycling vitamin K. This causes the rat’s blood to lose its ability to clot, ultimately leading to death.

However, it can take several days for the poison to take effect. It’s essential to keep poison bait out of reach of children and pets to avoid accidental ingestion. Always monitor the areas where the poison is placed.

2. Traps

Traps are another effective method for eliminating a rat infestation, and they offer a more humane option. There are two types of traps you can use:

• Live Traps: These traps capture rats alive by luring them with bait (such as food). Once captured, you can relocate the rat away from your home. This method is ideal for those who prefer not to kill the rats.

• Snap Traps: These traps quickly kill the rat upon entry. When used correctly, snap traps provide a swift and humane death. It’s a highly effective method, especially for larger infestations.

Both types of traps can be placed along walls, behind furniture, or in dark corners where rats are likely to travel. Peanut butter, dried fruit, or other high-protein foods work well as bait.

3. Professional Pest Control Assistance

If you’re unsure of how to get rid of rats or prefer not to handle the situation yourself, professional pest control is a reliable solution. Pest control experts are equipped with the right tools and knowledge to eliminate rats effectively. They will also help prevent further infestations.

With years of experience, pest control companies can provide safe and humane methods for handling rodent infestations. They can also inspect your property for vulnerabilities and recommend preventive steps to ensure the rats don’t return. 

Preventing Rats from Entering Your House

While eliminating rats is essential, preventing them from returning is just as important. Here are additional steps to keep your home rat-free:

• Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through tiny holes and gaps, so it’s crucial to inspect your home for any cracks or openings. Seal them with steel wool, caulk, or metal flashing. Pay attention to areas around pipes, vents, and windows.

• Keep Your House Clean: Rats are attracted to food, so regularly clean up food scraps, store food in airtight containers, and maintain a tidy kitchen. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.

• Trim Vegetation: Rats can climb trees and bushes to enter your home. Keep branches and vegetation trimmed away from your house to limit their access points.

• Remove Clutter: Rats love clutter. They use piles of newspapers, boxes, and other items as nesting spots. Keep your home free from clutter, especially in basements, attics, and storage areas.

• Use Natural Deterrents: Some natural deterrents, such as peppermint oil, onions, or ammonia, can help keep rats at bay. These can be placed in areas where rats are active to discourage them from entering your home.

Act Fast: Don’t Let the Problem Grow

If you suspect a rat infestation, it’s important to act quickly. Rats can cause damage to your home and pose significant health risks. Whether you choose to use poison bait, traps, or call in a professional, make sure to take immediate action.

By using a combination of elimination methods and preventive strategies, you can effectively get rid of rats in your house and protect your home from future infestations.

Need Help with a Rat Infestation?

Don’t wait until the problem worsens—take action today! Contact our expert pest control team to get rid of rats in your home quickly and safely. Call us now or book online for professional rat removal and guaranteed prevention.