About Rats in South Africa
Rats are one of the most problematic and destructive pests in South Africa. The two primary invasive species are the Brown Rat (Rattus norvegicus), also known as the Norway Rat, which prefers ground-level harborage in drains, under buildings, and in garden waste; and the Black Rat (Rattus rattus), also called the Roof Rat, which is an agile climber living in roof voids, wall cavities, and trees.
Rats are highly intelligent, neophobic (fearful of new things), and capable of squeezing through a gap the size of a R5 coin. They breed rapidly — a female rat can produce up to 7 litters of 6–12 pups per year. Once established, rat populations grow exponentially and become increasingly difficult to control without professional intervention.
In South Africa, rat infestations are a serious concern in both urban and peri-urban areas. Dense townships, informal settlements, and areas near restaurants, markets, rubbish dumps, and rivers face particularly high rodent pressure. The consequences of a rat infestation go far beyond being a nuisance — they pose very real and serious risks to public health, food safety, and property integrity.
🇿🇦 South African Facts
- Leptospirosis (Weil's disease), spread through rat urine, is present in South African waterways and urban environments.
- Rats are responsible for an estimated 20-30% of electrical fires in South African homes due to wire gnawing.
- South African municipalities have recorded increasing rat complaints in Johannesburg, Cape Town, and Durban metros.
- The Plague — historically spread by rat fleas — still occurs in parts of the Western Cape and Eastern Cape in South Africa.
- Rats can gnaw through lead pipes, concrete block, and aluminium — not just soft materials.
Warning Signs of a Rats Infestation
Spotting a rats infestation early can save you time and money. Watch for these tell-tale signs:
Scratching or scurrying sounds in roof voids, walls, or under floors — especially at night.
Rat droppings (10–20mm, dark, capsule-shaped) along walls, in cupboards, or behind appliances.
Gnaw marks on food packaging, electrical cables, timber, and plastic pipes.
Greasy smear marks (rub marks) along walls and skirting boards from their oily fur.
Burrow holes in garden soil, under paving slabs, or around building foundations.
Footprints or tail drag marks in dusty areas or on soft soil.
Shredded insulation, paper, or fabric used as nesting material found in roof or walls.
Health & Property Risks
Spread of Leptospirosis, Salmonellosis, Rat-bite Fever, and Hantavirus — serious and potentially fatal diseases.
Food contamination — rats urinate and defecate constantly as they travel, contaminating surfaces and stored food.
Electrical fires caused by rats gnawing through wire insulation — a leading cause of house fires in South Africa.
Structural damage to roof insulation, timber, pipes, and stored goods.
Spread of fleas, ticks, and mites from rats to pets and humans within the property.
Our Rats Treatment Approach
At Eco-Fumigation, we follow a proven, multi-step process to fully eliminate rats and prevent their return.
Rodent Survey & Inspection
Our technician conducts a full property inspection identifying species, entry points, harborage areas, and activity runs — inside and outside, including the roof void and sub-floor area.
Tamper-Resistant Bait Stations
Professional-grade, locked rodenticide bait stations are placed in strategic locations. These are safe around children and pets and contain professional rodenticides unavailable to the public.
Snap Trapping Programme
In sensitive environments (food handling areas, near pets), we deploy heavy-duty snap traps in concealed locations for fast, non-toxic control.
Proofing & Exclusion
We seal entry points — gaps around pipes, under doors, vents, and roof junctions — using professional-grade sealants, copper mesh, and steel wool to prevent re-entry.
Removal & Sanitation
Dead rodents and nesting material are safely removed and disposed of. Harborage areas are sanitised with disinfectant to eliminate disease risk and urine scent trails.
Follow-Up Monitoring
We return to check bait stations, remove dead rodents, and replenish bait as needed — typically at 1-week and 3-week intervals until the infestation is confirmed cleared.
Prevention Tips — Keep Rats Away
Our technicians don't just eliminate the current infestation — they help you prevent future ones with these proven tips: