Roof Rats Are Expert Climbers
The roof rat (Rattus rattus), also known as the black rat or ship rat, is the species most commonly found in Sydney roof voids. Unlike the Norway rat, which prefers ground-level burrows, roof rats are agile, acrobatic climbers that have evolved to live at height — in trees, on ships and, in urban Sydney, in roof spaces.
Understanding how they access your roof is the first step to keeping them out.
The Most Common Entry Points Into Roofs
1. Trees and Overhanging Branches
This is the number one entry route for roof rats in Sydney. They climb trees adjacent to your home, run along branches that hang over or touch the roofline, and drop or climb onto the roof. From there, they find a gap and enter the roof void.
Solution: Trim all branches so they are at least 1.5–2 metres away from the roofline.
2. Pipes, Cables and Conduits
Rats can shimmy up vertical pipes and cables with ease. TV antennas, downpipes, gas pipes and electrical conduits running up the exterior of the building are all potential climbing routes. Rats can also enter along cables where they pass through gaps in the roofline.
3. Gaps in the Fascia and Eaves
Rotting, damaged or poorly fitted fascia boards leave gaps where the roof meets the eaves. Rats only need a 20mm opening to squeeze through. Inspect your eaves from the ground — gaps, cracks and missing sections of timber are all potential entry points.
4. Broken or Missing Roof Tiles
A cracked or shifted roof tile creates an opening large enough for a rat to access the roof void. This is particularly common after storms. Regular roof maintenance significantly reduces rodent entry risk.
5. Roof Vents Without Mesh
Whirlybirds, ridge vents, eave vents and mechanical exhaust vents are necessary for roof ventilation — but without adequate mesh covers, they are an open invitation for rodents. Check that all vents have intact, fine-gauge metal mesh.
6. Climbing the Walls
Rats can scale rough textured walls — brick, timber and Colorbond — particularly if there is an attached structure like a pergola, trellis or climbing plant that gives them a starting point. Once on the wall, they navigate to the eaves.
Signs You Have Rats in Your Roof
- Scratching, scurrying or gnawing sounds from the ceiling at night
- Droppings in the roof void (visible if you access the manhole)
- Gnaw marks on roof timbers or electrical cables
- Nesting material in the roof insulation
- Urine stains visible on ceiling plasterboard in severe cases
Why Roof Rat Infestations Are Serious
Beyond the health risks posed by rat droppings and urine, rats in the roof void frequently gnaw through electrical wiring — a leading cause of roof fires. They also damage insulation, water pipes and the structural integrity of roof timbers over time.
What to Do
If you suspect rats in your roof, contact a professional pest controller immediately. A treatment plan for roof rats typically involves baiting in the roof void combined with physical exclusion to seal all identified entry points.
Pestyologist treats roof rat infestations across Sydney. Book a roof inspection today.