Tokai sits at the foot of the Constantiaberg, with Tokai Forest and the Table Mountain National Park right behind it. Large plots, big gardens and that green backdrop mean wildlife and pests come with the territory.
Rats from the Tokai Forest edge
Tokai's rats come down from the forest and the slopes of the Constantiaberg. Roof rats climb the big pines and oaks and cross onto roofs along overhanging branches, and brown rats nest in compost heaps, woodpiles and garden sheds before moving into garages, garden cottages and staff quarters. Big plots with fruit trees, chicken runs and bird feeders give them a lot to eat.
We trap in roofs and outbuildings, place lockable bait stations along the forest-facing boundary, and seal gaps at the eaves and garage doors. Because pets and wildlife are common in Tokai, we use stations they can't open.
Tokai Forest and the mountain slopes bring cool, damp air and lots of leaf litter. Winter rainfall is high here compared to the Cape Flats, so damp-loving insects thrive. Streams run down from the mountain, and many gardens have water features or ponds.
Rats and mice from the forest edge and big gardens are a common issue. Timber pests matter in thatched and older homes.
Which rat is in your Tokai 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
Something most people miss
When a technician arrives for rats, the first thing he looks at is the outside of the building: tree branches, roof edges, drain pipes and any gap a rat could fit through.
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.
How the treatment works
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.
- Identify the rat
We look at droppings, tracks and entry points to tell a roof rat from a Norway rat.
- Find the runs
We trace the routes from nest to food, inside and outside the property.
- Traps and stations
Snap traps go inside and locked bait stations outside, placed on the actual runs.
- Proofing
Gaps, vents and roof entry points are closed with steel mesh and cement.
- Follow-up check
We return to check traps and stations, adjust the plan and leave a report.
Prevention that actually works
- Do not leave building rubble or wood piles against the house for months.
- Fit drain covers and check that old drain pipes are not broken underground.
- Store feed and bird seed in metal bins with tight lids.
- Trim back trees and creepers at least a metre from the roof, because roof rats jump from them.
- Pick up fallen fruit, avocados and pet food every evening.
What affects the price
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.
One rat in a garden shed can be caught with a decent snap trap and some patience. Rats in the roof are smart and cautious, and loose poison from the shop often ends with a smell in the ceiling and a sick dog, so I would call someone in once they are in the house.
Questions we get asked in Tokai
Is rat bait safe for owls and pets in Tokai?
We use lockable bait stations pets can't open, and we trap where secondary poisoning is a worry. Tell us if you have owls nesting nearby.
Do rats come into Tokai homes from the forest?
Yes, the forest edge and big gardens support rodents that move into homes when it gets cold and wet. Sealing roof gaps and removing outdoor food sources makes your home far less attractive.
How often should a thatched roof in Tokai be checked for beetles?
Once a year is a good habit, and definitely before you sell. Early treatment is much simpler than dealing with heavy damage later.
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.
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.
Are rats dangerous to my children?
Rats can bite and spread disease through urine and droppings, so it is worth dealing with them quickly.
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