To keep rats away in winter, remove food sources (sealed bins, pet food and bird seed put away), seal gaps around pipes, roof tiles and vents, trim branches touching the roof, clear clutter and woodpiles from against walls, and set up lockable bait stations before activity starts. In the Western Cape, rats move indoors as the cold, wet weather arrives.
Why do rats move indoors in winter?
The Western Cape's cold, wet winters push rats and mice to look for dry shelter and reliable food. Roof spaces, garages, storerooms and kitchens are perfect, which is why calls about rats in ceilings rise from April onwards.
Ten ways to rat-proof your home
- Keep refuse in bins with tight lids and clear spills around them
- Store pet food, bird seed and dry goods in sealed containers
- Feed pets indoors and remove leftover food
- Clean up fallen fruit and avoid open compost with food scraps
- Trim trees and creepers touching the roof
- Seal gaps around pipes, cables and air bricks
- Fit vent covers and fix broken roof tiles and eaves
- Move woodpiles and clutter away from walls
- Fix leaking taps and gutters
- Put out lockable bait stations before winter starts
What about businesses?
Restaurants, shops and warehouses face year-round rodent pressure around deliveries and refuse areas. A scheduled bait-station monitoring programme is the most reliable way to stay ahead of rats, with a service report after each visit.
Frequently asked questions
When should I put out rat bait stations?
Ideally in autumn, before the winter rains, so rodents are controlled before they settle indoors.
Do ultrasonic rat repellers work?
Evidence for ultrasonic repellers is weak, and rats tend to get used to them. Proofing, sanitation and bait stations are far more reliable.
Is rat poison safe around pets?
Loose poison is dangerous to pets. Professionals use tamper-resistant lockable bait stations placed where pets and children cannot reach the bait.
Need help now? Cape Shield Fumigation offers rat & mouse control across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Call or WhatsApp 066 575 0079.