How Do I Get Rid of Rats in my Roof?

Key takeaways

Let's break down how to get rid of rats in your roof.

Roof Rats (Black Rats)

Sleek and agile, roof rats are excellent climbers.

Black in colour and have large ears with pointy faces.

They’re smaller than Norway rats but more likely to be found in attics, ceilings, and roof voids.

Their tails are usually longer than their body and could grow up to 18 inches.

They prefer fruits and grains, but they’ll chew on just about anything.

They often build nests in trees, shrubs, wood piles, and thick garden vegetation. Indoors, they seek out warm, hidden spots in the upper areas of a home, such as attics, ceilings, walls, cabinets, garages, laundry rooms, patios, and pool areas.

Norway Rats (Brown Rats)

Bulkier and more aggressive than roof rats.

Typically live lower to the ground (under floors or in burrows), but if desperate, they’ll head upwards.

House Mice

Not rats, but often mistaken for them.

Tails are usually covered in a layer of fur.

More curious than rats, so they run around the house.

Small, quiet, and quick breeders. If you’ve seen one, there’s probably a family of ten.

How to Get Rid of Rats in Your Roof

Step 1: Confirm the Infestation

Before placing any bait or traps, confirm activity and identify where rats are moving.

Scratching and scurrying sounds at night, particularly between 11pm and 3am when roof rats are most active

Droppings like a small, dark, pointed at both ends (1–2cm), found in roof cavities, kitchen cupboards, along skirting boards, or near pet food

Grease marks or dark smear trails along walls, pipes, and beams where rats travel repeatedly

Chewed materials in electrical wires, insulation, cardboard, timber, and even plastic pipes

Nests made from shredded insulation, fabric, or paper, found in roof corners and wall cavities

Unusual pet behaviour of cats and dogs staring at the ceiling, barking at nothing, or appearing agitated at night

Smell, a musky, ammonia-like odour in enclosed roof spaces or wall cavities

Step 2: Bait or Trap the Active Population

This is where most DIY attempts go wrong. People place one or two traps in the wrong location, don't see immediate results, and give up while the colony continues multiplying.

Snap traps work well for small infestations when placed correctly:

Position along walls and beams, not in open spaces because rats travel in contact with surfaces

Use real food bait: peanut butter, bacon, dried fruit, or chocolate work better than cheese

Set multiple traps (minimum 6–10 for a roof infestation) to cover multiple travel routes

Check and reset daily in a sprung trap with no catch still disrupts rat activity

Wear gloves when handling traps, rats are neophobic (fear of new things) and can smell human scent

Tamper-resistant bait stations are more effective than open traps for established roof infestations because:

They allow repeated feeding over several nights, killing more of the population

They target roof rats specifically with formulations proven effective for the species

They don't require the rat to physically trigger a mechanism

Peppermint oil may provide minor deterrence at best; rats habituate quickly

Ammonia is a minimal deterrence effect; if used, keep strictly away from children, pets, and enclosed spaces. Fumes are dangerous and effectiveness is not supported by pest industry evidence

One or two traps is insufficient for a roof colony

Step 3: Find and Seal Every Entry Point

Gaps under eaves or between roof tiles (particularly after storms when tiles shift)

Holes where pipes, cables, or conduits enter the roof space

Broken or missing roof vents and weep hole covers

Overhanging tree branches providing direct roof access and rats can jump up to 80cm

Gaps around air conditioning units and ducting

Open chimneys and uncovered flue pipes

Corrugated iron roofing with unsealed corrugation gaps at the edges

Steel wool and caulk is effective for small gaps; rats cannot chew through steel wool when it's properly packed and sealed with construction adhesive

Wire mesh (hardware cloth) with 13mm or smaller gauge mesh over vents, weep holes, and larger openings

Roof tile repair for cracked or missing tiles should be replaced; a roof inspection after a storm is always worthwhile

Tree trimming and cut branches back to at least 1.5 metres from the roofline

Step 4: Remove What's Attracting Them

Even after treatment, rats will return if the attractants remain. Address these to avoid recurrence:

Store all dry food in sealed containers, cardboard boxes are not sufficient

Don't leave pet food out overnight, used a sealed feeding stations

Keep compost bins sealed and positioned at least 2 metres from the house

Collect fallen fruit from garden trees promptly

Declutter sheds, garages, and storage areas like stacked cardboard, fabric, and timber are ideal nesting material

Don't store items directly on the ground

Keep garden beds tidy and clear dense ground cover near the house

Fix leaking taps and pipes

Ensure gutters drain properly and don't pool water

Empty pet water bowls overnight if possible

Home Remedies to Try First

Since rats are usually in insulation, you can seal small gaps with steel wool and a different caulk and rats can’t chew through it. Use mesh over vents and weep holes.

Traditional snap traps can be effective if baited properly (use peanut butter, bacon or fruit). Make sure to always place traps along walls and hidden paths. If you have pets, make sure you put it in a safe place.

Strong-smelling substances like ammonia may deter rats. Mix with water and leave in bowls near entry points (safely away from kids or pets).

DIY approaches work for catching the occasional rat. They consistently fall short when:

You can hear activity across multiple areas of the roof or walls is indicating a colony, not an individual

Traps are being avoided or food is being taken without the trap triggering because an experienced rats learn trap avoidance

You've treated once and the problem returned within a few weeks

You can't safely access the roof space to place traps or identify entry points

There are children, elderly residents, or pets in the home and bait placement safety is a concern

The property is a rental, strata building, or commercial premises where professional certification of treatment is required

How to Prevent Rats From Coming Back

The best long-term result comes from treating the infestation and addressing the conditions that made your property attractive in the first place.

Inspect your roof twice a year. Autumn (before winter, when rats seek warmth) and spring are the best times. After any major storm, check for shifted tiles and damaged vents.

Keep gutters clean. Debris-filled gutters attract insects, birds, and the rats that follow them.

Check vents and weep holes annually. Small mesh deteriorates over time; replace any rusted or damaged covers.

Is rat poison safe for homes with pets?

Only if it’s inside a tamper-proof bait station. Never leave loose bait out in the open. If you’ve got pets or small kids, let the pest controller know so they can use the safest method.

What is the difference between mice and rat infestations?

Mice are smaller and sneakier. They can squeeze through tiny gaps and often go unnoticed for longer. Rats are bigger, noisier, and cause more visible damage. Both are a problem, just in different ways.

How often should I inspect my roof for rats?

Twice a year is a good habit, once before winter when rats are looking for warmth, and again in spring. But if you hear noises or spot any signs, don’t wait.

Where do roof rats live during the day?

Roof rats are most active at night, using the dark hours to forage for food. During the day, they hide away in their nests, usually built in high spots like trees, attics, or above drop ceilings. Their quiet, hidden lifestyle often makes them hard to detect during the early stages of an infestation.

What do rats in the roof sound like?

Rats in the loft often make scurrying or scratching noises, especially at night when they’re most active. Their movements can sound heavier and louder than mice. You might also hear loud gnawing sounds as they chew through wood, wires, or insulation. Rats can squeeze into tight spaces, often nesting in loft insulation and inside cavity walls.

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