Rats

Rats can be a pest on both private and public property. Wherever rats are causing a problem, it is up to the land owner to manage it.

Council works in partnership with South East Local Land Services to manage pest programs on public land. Our programs focus on animals that are identified as priority pests.

The Black Rat (rattus rattus) is not a priority pest for our area, but we encourage all land owners to help reduce rat issues by following the practices below.

Discouraging rats

We encourage property owners to help reduce and prevent rat infestations by following these habits:

• Dispose of food scraps promptly and clean food preparation areas thoroughly
• Inspect living and working areas for potential rodent entrances and block them where possible with concrete, hard setting filler, steel wool or heavy gauge sheet metal
• Make sure rubbish bins have tight-fitting lids and are emptied regularly
• Keep your home and property clear of rubbish
• Keep stacked materials such as wood and bricks at least 30cm above the ground to minimise spaces for rats and mice to hide, nest in or pass through
• Regularly clean out sheds, storage areas and get rid of unwanted items
• Remove unwanted undergrowth – cut back grass, bushes, and creepers which may provide cover or access to the roof
• Remove fallen fruit, seed, waste and pet faeces from aviaries and chicken pens
• Do not use open compost heaps
• Do not compost any animal products (fish, meat, chicken, cheese, butter) or pet faeces
• Leave out only enough pet food for pets to eat soon after it is placed there
• Store poultry food in vermin-proof containers with close-fitting lids
• Block access points to cupboards containing food and food-preparation utensils
• Cover rainwater tank openings and floor vents with wire mesh no coarser than 1mm, and check and maintain these regularly.

Dealing with rats

If rats are a problem on your property, or if you have questions about using chemicals or baits, we recommend you contact a licensed pest controller.

Using chemicals and poisons to control rats may not always be the best approach. Before using poison, you might want to consider these points:

• If rodents die and decay in hard to reach places, they may cause an offensive smell
• There is a risk that pets and children could eat toxic baits or poisoned rodent bodies
• Some people are sensitive to rodent control chemicals in their environment.

Reporting rat problems

Council does not directly manage rat issues on private property. However, if there is evidence of rats or unsafe / unhealthy conditions that are likely to attract rats, such as garbage or other materials, our Compliance Officers may be able to take action to improve the situation.

To make a report, see the 'Pest animals' section of our Animal Issues page.