The roof void
Roof rats nest in insulation near warm spots such as downlights and hot water systems, and travel along top plates and ducting. Look for droppings along a line, grease smears on timber and chewed insulation or cabling.
PROFESSIONAL RAT CONTROL
Rat Control Sydney
Roof rats in the ceiling or brown rats under the house? Rat-specific stations, trapping and entry-point proofing for Sydney homes, from $89.
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OVERVIEW
Rat Control for Roof Voids, Subfloors & Yards
Sydney has two pest rats, and they behave like different animals. The roof rat (Rattus rattus, also called the black rat) is an agile climber that runs along fence tops, power lines and palm fronds into ceilings. The brown rat (Rattus norvegicus, the Norway or sewer rat) is a heavier digger that lives at ground level in burrows, drains and subfloors. Both were brought to Sydney with early European settlement, according to the Australian Museum.
Knowing which one you have decides where our stations go. Roof rats need treatment up high, on the beams and top plates where they travel. Brown rats need attention around foundations, garden beds, compost bays and the subfloor. Placing everything in the wrong zone is the most common reason DIY baiting fails.
We also think about what else eats rats. Poisoned rats are caught by dogs, cats and owls, so our programs use lockable stations, trapping where it suits and proofing that reduces the need for bait over time. You get a fixed price before we start.
- Roof rat or brown rat confirmed on inspection
- Stations placed on the runways each species uses
- Burrows, drains and subfloor checked, not just the roof
- Proofing advice for gaps around 12 mm and larger
KNOW YOUR RAT
Roof Rat vs Brown Rat
Size figures are adult ranges published by the Australian Museum. In practice, where you find the signs is often the fastest clue.
| Feature | Roof rat (Rattus rattus) | Brown rat (Rattus norvegicus) |
|---|---|---|
| Tail | Longer than the head and body | Shorter than the head and body |
| Build | Slender, pointed snout, large thin ears | Heavier and more elongated, blunt muzzle, smaller ears |
| Adult weight | About 95–340 g | About 200–480 g |
| Colour | Usually grey-brown, despite the name “black rat” | Shaggy grey-brown above, paler below |
| Where it lives | Roof voids, wall cavities, trees, palms and dense climbers | Burrows, subfloors, drains, sewers, creek banks and compost |
| How it gets in | Overhanging branches, fences, cables, gaps under roof tiles and eaves | Gaps at ground level, under doors, broken vents and pipe penetrations |
| Typical sound | Running and thumping across the ceiling at night | Scratching under floorboards or in lower wall cavities |
Seeing small droppings in the pantry rather than the roof? That may be mice. For a side-by-side of rats and mice, see our rodent control hub.
WHERE RATS HIDE
Where Rats Live on a Sydney Property
The subfloor
Brown rats use subfloors in older Federation and inter-war homes, especially where vents are broken or bricks are missing. Nests of shredded material, fresh soil and droppings near piers are common finds.
Burrows in the garden
Brown rats dig burrows along retaining walls, under sheds and slabs, and beside compost bins. Active entrances look smooth and clear of cobwebs, often with fresh soil pushed out and a worn track leading away.
- Under decks and garden sheds
- Beside chicken coops and aviaries
- Along fences and sleeper walls
Drains and sewers
Rats can move through stormwater and damaged sewer lines into a property. A broken pipe, an uncapped old drain or a loose inspection opening can let rats in from below, so we check these when activity keeps coming back.
DON'T WAIT FOR IT TO GET WORSE
Rats thumping in the ceiling? Book an inspection today.
Talk to a licensed Sydney technician today — honest advice and a fixed quote within 30 minutes.
HEALTH & DAMAGE
Why Rats Need Prompt Attention
Rats are more than a noise problem. These are the risks worth taking seriously.
Leptospirosis
NSW Health explains that Leptospira bacteria can be present in rat urine and enter through cuts or the lining of the eyes, nose and mouth. Early symptoms include fever and severe headache.
Other Infections
NSW Health also links rodents to rat bite fever and gastro illnesses such as salmonellosis. Wear gloves and wet-clean with disinfectant when handling droppings.
Chewed Cabling
Rats gnaw to keep their teeth worn down, and roof void wiring, gas lines and irrigation are common targets.
Insulation & Stored Goods
Nesting rats flatten and soil insulation and shred stored boxes, which reduces how well the ceiling performs.
OUR PROCESS
How We Get Rid of Rats
A rat job covers the roof, the ground and the gaps between them.
01
Inspect High & Low
We check the roof void, eaves, subfloor, garden, drains and burrows to confirm the species and find its runways.
02
Map Runways & Entry Points
Grease marks, droppings and gnawing show the routes rats use. We note each entry point and how the rats reach it.
03
Set Stations or Traps
Lockable stations are fixed on active runways in the roof, subfloor or garden. Traps are used inside living areas where needed.
04
Burrow & Drain Treatment
Active burrows and ground-level harbourage are treated or collapsed as appropriate, and drain issues are flagged for a plumber.
05
Proofing Plan
We quote to seal gaps with rodent-resistant materials and tell you which branches, climbers and cables need cutting back.
06
Follow-Up Check
We return to check feeding, remove or reduce bait once activity stops, and confirm the job is finished.
RAT-PROOFING
Rat-Proofing Checklist for Sydney Homes
Treatment removes the rats that are there. These steps stop the next ones getting in.
- Cut back branches, palms and climbers at least a metre from the roofline
- Replace broken or missing subfloor vents with metal mesh vents
- Fill gaps around pipes and cables with stainless steel wool and sealant
- Check for lifted roof tiles, gaps under ridge capping and open eaves
- Fit brush strips or door seals to garage and laundry doors
- Cap disused drains and keep inspection openings sealed
- Store chicken feed and pet food in metal bins with lids
- Pick up fallen fruit and use an enclosed compost unit
- Clear stacked timber, rubbish and dense ground cover beside the house
- Don't leave pet bowls outside overnight
RESPONSIBLE BAITING
Keeping Pets & Wildlife Out of Harm's Way
How bait is used matters as much as which bait is used.
Why secondary poisoning happens
Some anticoagulant rodenticides take several days to act, so a poisoned rat keeps moving and feeding, and residues build up in its body. A dog, cat, owl or goanna that eats that rat can be poisoned without ever touching a bait.
The 2026 APVMA changes
After reviewing anticoagulant rodenticides, the APVMA certified in March 2026 that second-generation anticoagulant products should be restricted to trained, licensed users, and they are being removed from retail sale. Products and label conditions continue to change, so we follow the current rules for every product we place.
How we reduce the risk
Our aim is to use the least bait for the shortest time.
- Lockable stations fixed in position
- Trapping in areas pets and wildlife use
- Bait removed or reduced once feeding stops
- Proofing so the problem doesn't need repeat baiting
What you can do
Tell us about dogs, cats, chickens and any owls you see locally. Pick up dead rats promptly with gloves and bag them for the bin, so pets and wildlife can't eat them.
ON THE JOB
Rat Work Across Sydney Properties
Real photos from Elite rat jobs.
Heavy Roof Activity
A roof void like this points to rats nesting and feeding over a long period, often right above a living area.
Bait Secured Inside
Blocks are fixed on rods inside the station so rats can't carry them off and drop them where pets roam.
Ground-Level Perimeter
Brown rats travel along walls and fences, so perimeter stations follow those edges.
Garden Placement
Stations tucked into garden beds near burrows and compost stay out of sight and out of reach.
TIMING MATTERS
The Best Time to Deal With Rats
Rats are around all year, but many Sydney homes notice them most from late autumn through winter, when they move into roof voids and subfloors for warmth. Dealing with rats as soon as you hear them, and proofing before the weather cools, stops a small group becoming an established colony.
Heavy droppings and nesting in insulation can leave a roof void contaminated long after the rats are gone, so ask about pest disinfection. For more on proofing, read how to rodent-proof your Sydney home before winter, or book pest proofing as a separate job.
Reviewed by Ismail, Founder · NSW Pest Management licence 5122967 · Updated September 2026
WHY CHOOSE US
The Elite Pest Difference
Species-Specific Placement
Stations go where roof rats or brown rats actually travel, not in random corners.
Wildlife-Aware Approach
Lockable stations, trapping where suitable and proofing to cut down bait use.
Licensed Technicians
NSW Pest Management licence 5122967 and APVMA-registered products used to label.
Clear Terms
A fixed price before we start. Warranty and service terms confirmed in writing with your quote.
SERVICE AREAS
Rat Control Across Sydney
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FAQ
Rat Control Questions, Answered
Everything you need to know before you book. Still unsure? Call us — we're happy to help.
Get a Free QuoteHow much does rat control cost in Sydney?
Rat control starts from $89. The final fixed price depends on the size of the property, whether the roof void and subfloor both need stations, how many burrows there are and whether you want entry points proofed. You get the price before any work starts, and warranty and follow-up terms are confirmed in writing with your quote.
Is it a roof rat or a brown rat in my house?
Where you hear and find them is the best clue. Running across the ceiling, droppings in the roof void and rats seen on fences or in trees point to roof rats. Burrows in the garden, activity under the floor and rats near drains or compost usually mean brown rats. Some properties have both.
How small a gap can a rat get through?
Pest management guidance commonly puts it at about 12 mm for an adult rat, roughly the width of your thumb, and young rats fit through less. Rats also gnaw to enlarge a gap, so soft materials like foam and plastic won't hold them. Proofing uses metal mesh, stainless steel wool and cement-based sealants.
Why are rats worse in winter?
In cooler months rats look for warm, dry shelter near food, and a roof void above a heated home is ideal. Many Sydney households first notice rats from late autumn. Proofing gaps and trimming branches back from the roofline before winter is one of the most effective ways to prevent it.
Can rats make you sick?
Yes. NSW Health lists leptospirosis, spread through infected urine, as well as rat bite fever and gastro infections like salmonellosis among illnesses associated with rodents. Avoid touching droppings or carcasses with bare hands, cover cuts, and wet-clean contaminated areas with disinfectant. See a doctor if you develop fever after exposure.
Is rat bait dangerous to my dog or cat?
It can be, if a pet eats bait or a poisoned rat. That is why we only use lockable, tamper-resistant stations fixed in position, place them away from pets and consider trapping where pets roam. If you think your pet has eaten bait or a rat, see a vet straight away and take any packaging with you.
Does rat poison harm owls and native wildlife?
It can. Australian studies have found anticoagulant rodenticide residues in many owls tested, including powerful owls and southern boobooks, which eat poisoned rats. In 2026 the APVMA acted to restrict second-generation anticoagulant baits to trained, licensed users because of this risk. We use baits carefully, in locked stations, and reduce reliance on them through proofing.
Should I use snap traps or call a professional?
A trap or two can deal with a single rat. When you hear activity every night, see droppings in several places or find burrows, there is usually a breeding population, and the entry points need finding too. A professional inspection identifies the species, the runways and the gaps, so the problem doesn't return.
Do fruit trees and chickens attract rats?
They can. Fallen fruit, spilled chicken feed, pet food left outside and open compost are reliable food sources for rats. Pick up fallen fruit, store feed in metal bins, feed pets indoors or remove bowls at night, and use enclosed compost units to make your yard far less attractive.
Are there native rats I shouldn't treat?
Yes. Native bush rats and swamp rats live near bushland and wetlands around Sydney, and native animals are protected in NSW. They look similar to introduced rats at a glance, so we confirm identification before treating and, if it's a native, focus on keeping it out of the house instead.
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