How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Roof: A Kiwi Guide
Scratching in the ceiling at night is one of the most common calls we get. As the weather cools, rats and mice move indoors looking for warmth, food and somewhere dry to nest, and a roof space is ideal. In New Zealand the usual roof culprit is the ship rat, an excellent climber that gets in via trees, fences and gaps under the eaves.
Here's how to tell if you've got rats, and how to get rid of them yourself with the same products we use on the job.
Signs you've got rats in the roof
- Scratching or scurrying noises in the ceiling or walls, usually at night
- Droppings in the roof space, garage, pantry or behind appliances
- Gnaw marks on timber, wiring, pipes or stored boxes
- Dark, greasy rub marks along beams and around entry holes
- Food packets chewed open
Step 1: Find and block the way in
Rats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Walk around the outside of the house and check the eaves, gaps around pipes and cables, vents and broken soffit boards. Trim back branches that touch the roof. Once you've dealt with the rats inside, seal the gaps so new ones can't move in.
Step 2: Remove food and shelter
Keep rubbish bins closed, store pet food and bird seed in sealed containers, pick up fallen fruit, and keep compost covered. The less food around, the faster traps and bait will work.
Step 3: Choose traps, bait stations or both
Snap traps (toxin-free)
A good snap trap is fast and doesn't leave poisoned rats dying in the walls. We recommend the Trapper T-Rex Rat Trap baited with Provoke Rat Attractant. Set traps along walls and beams where you've seen droppings or rub marks, with the trigger end facing the wall, because rats run along edges. For mice, use the Trapper Mini-Rex with Provoke Mouse Attractant.
Lockable bait stations
For a larger problem, or roofs you can't check every day, use a lockable bait station such as the Protecta EVO Edge or Pied Piper, loaded with Contrac Rodent Blox. The station keeps bait secured and away from children, pets and the weather. Always read and follow the product label, wear gloves, and check stations regularly, topping up bait until it stops being eaten.
Step 4: Check, clean up and keep going
Check traps daily and reset them. Wear gloves when removing dead rodents and droppings, and dispose of them promptly in a sealed bag. Keep going until there's no new activity, then leave a station or two in place as an early warning.
When to call a professional
If you're still hearing activity after a couple of weeks, the infestation is large, or it's a business or rental property, it's time to call in a professional. Brandon holds the Level 3 urban pest control certification and services homes and businesses across Auckland. Call 022 098 4167 or get in touch online.
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