Noordhoek still has a semi-rural feel, with smallholdings, horses, wetlands and big gardens running down to Long Beach. That means flies, rodents around feed stores and thatch problems are more common here than in town.
Rats on Noordhoek smallholdings
Noordhoek's semi-rural feel brings rats with it. Horse feed in tack rooms and feed sheds, chicken food in runs and compost heaps on big plots keep them fed, and stables, outbuildings and old farmhouses give them plenty of places to nest. Homes near the wetlands behind Long Beach and the Noordhoek Common also see rats moving in from the reeds in winter, when the low-lying parts of the valley flood.
Bait stations have to be placed carefully here so horses, dogs and wildlife like owls can't reach the bait. We use lockable, fixed stations along runs, traps in feed rooms and roofs, and help you move feed into sealed metal bins.
Rodents around stables and feed, flies from horses and compost, and mosquitoes from the wetlands are the core issues.
Which rat is in your Noordhoek home?
Brown rat
Rattus norvegicus- Norway rat
- Sewer rat
- Family Muridae
- Body
- Heavy and thickset
- Nose
- Blunt and rounded
- Ears
- Small, furry, close to head
- Tail
- Shorter than its body
- Weight
- 250 to 500 g
- Droppings
- Up to 2 cm, blunt ends
- Burrow holes along walls, under paving and sheds
- Greasy rub marks low down along skirting and walls
- Gnawed bins, compost heaps and pet food bags
- Coming up through drains and broken sewer pipes
Black rat
Rattus rattus- Roof rat
- Ship rat
- Family Muridae
- Body
- Slim and agile
- Nose
- Pointed
- Ears
- Large, thin, almost bare
- Tail
- Longer than its body
- Weight
- 150 to 250 g
- Droppings
- About 1.2 cm, pointed
- Scratching and running in the ceiling at night
- Droppings in the roof space, cupboards and on beams
- Chewed cables, insulation and ceiling boards
- Running along fences, power lines and tree branches
ActiveBusierPeak, as rats move indoors in the cold, wet winter
What gives them away
Tick every sign you have noticed. It takes ten seconds.
Why it matters: Rats spread leptospirosis through their urine, and they can carry salmonella and other diseases onto food surfaces. They gnaw on electrical cables in roofs, which can start fires, and chew through water pipes and geyser fittings. Rats also bite, especially when cornered or when a small child or sleeping person is involved. A couple of rats can become dozens within a season because they breed fast.
From the technician
Rats need water daily. Dripping taps, leaking irrigation and pet bowls left outside all help them survive on your property.
Our process, step by step
First we identify the rat and track its route, because a roof rat problem is solved at the roof line and a Norway rat problem at ground level and in the drains. In the roof and inside the house we prefer heavy-duty snap traps, so there is no smell from a rat dying in the ceiling. Outdoors we use lockable, tamper-resistant bait stations, positioned along runs and fixed so they cannot be moved, and we do a bait risk assessment where pets, children or owls are around. Then we proof: steel mesh over vents, sealing gaps around pipes and cables, and advice on trimming branches. Burrows are treated and collapsed after the colony is dealt with.
Want the full step-by-step? See how our rat control service works.
Stopping a repeat visit
- Trim back trees and creepers at least a metre from the roof, because roof rats jump from them.
- Store feed and bird seed in metal bins with tight lids.
- Keep compost in a closed bin and do not add meat or cooked food.
- Fit drain covers and check that old drain pipes are not broken underground.
- Do not leave building rubble or wood piles against the house for months.
How much will it cost?
Price depends on the size of the property, which rat species you have and how many entry points need proofing. A roof rat problem with lots of overhanging trees takes more proofing work than a single burrow in the garden. Follow-up visits are part of most rat jobs and are included in the free quote.
Rat calls peak in Cape Town's rainy winter months, when burrows flood and rats head for dry roof spaces. Roof rats are busy again in late summer and autumn when fruit trees are loaded.
Frequently asked questions
How do I know if it is rats or mice?
Rat droppings are much larger, roughly raisin-sized, and rats are noisier. Send a photo of the droppings on WhatsApp and we will tell you.
Is there a guarantee?
Yes, our treatments carry a minimum 3-month guarantee.
How are rats getting into my roof?
Roof rats climb trees, walls and cables and squeeze in under roof tiles, fascia boards or through open eaves.
Can you get rid of rats near a river or canal?
Yes, but properties near water usually need ongoing stations and good proofing, because new rats keep arriving.
Can you treat rats on a Noordhoek smallholding without risking horses or dogs?
Yes. We use tamper-resistant bait stations placed where animals cannot reach them, and use traps where needed, choosing the least-toxic effective option.
Is rat bait safe for owls on my Noordhoek property?
We do a bait risk assessment for owls and other wildlife and use traps where bait isn't suitable. Lockable stations keep bait away from horses and dogs.
Office 021 012 5825 · WhatsApp us
