Why did rat infestations increase during COVID-19?
TL;DR — Quick Answer
Rat infestations increased in some areas during COVID-19 because changes in human activity affected where rats found food and shelter. Reduced activity in commercial areas, closed businesses and changes in waste patterns encouraged some rodents to explore new food sources, including residential properties.
Rat Infestations During & After COVID‑19 – What Sydney Residents Need To Know
When lockdowns closed restaurants and reduced public movement, rodent food sources dropped sharply. With less waste from commercial kitchens, rats shifted from busy areas into quiet residential streets.
The CDC confirmed that changed human behaviour directly altered rodent behaviour, increasing competition and aggression. In Sydney, NSW Health recorded a 38% rise in rodent‑related service requests between early 2020 and mid‑2021 (NSW Health).
Wildlife experts also noted more frequent cannibalism and infanticide among starving rat populations as they fought for limited food (CDC).
For a full inspection, Contact Sydney’s Best Pest Control.
Why did rats move into homes during lockdowns?
When normal food sources changed, some rats adapted by searching new areas for food and shelter. Residential properties can provide:
- Food waste
- Warm shelter
- Water sources
- Hiding areas
- Easy entry points
Rodents are highly adaptable and can quickly exploit changes in their environment.
What are the signs of a rat infestation?
Common signs include:
- Droppings
- Scratching noises in walls or ceilings
- Gnaw marks
- Damaged wiring
- Greasy marks along walls
- Nesting materials
- Unusual pet behaviour
Early detection can help prevent costly damage.
What Risks Do Rats Bring To Sydney Homes & Businesses?
Rats carry over 35 diseases transmissible to humans, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, and hantavirus. In NSW, food safety laws require businesses to keep premises rodent‑free to meet Australian Standard AS 3660.2.
One Sydney café owner told us: “We thought we were safe with doors shut, but rats chewed through pantry boxes and wiring – we had to close for three days to fix it.”
Property damage costs across Australia average $850 million annually from rodents chewing wiring, pipes, and structures (Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment).
DIY Prevention vs Professional Pest Control: Which Works Better?
| Action | DIY Prevention | Professional Service |
|---|---|---|
| Seal entry points | Blocks obvious gaps – misses tiny or hidden ones | Full inspection finds all access spots |
| Food security | Reduces attraction – won’t stop established infestations | Targets nesting and breeding areas |
| Success rate | 30–40% for active infestations | Over 95% with guaranteed treatments |
| Compliance | Hard to prove for businesses | Provides documentation for NSW regulations |
Even with good cleaning, rats can squeeze through gaps as small as 12mm. If you spot droppings, gnaw marks, or hear scratching, call us immediately on 1800 819 189 – early action stops a small problem becoming a major outbreak.
How Can I Stop Rats Entering My Sydney Property?
Seal Every Possible Entry Point
- Check foundations, doors, windows, vents, pipes, and roof edges
- Use steel wool mixed with filler – rats cannot chew through it
- Repair damaged screens, vents, and eaves
Remove All Food Sources
- Store dry goods in glass or hard plastic containers
- Wipe benches and floors – even small crumbs attract rats
- Keep pet food sealed and clear away after mealtimes
- Use bins with tight lids and empty them often
Maintain Your Garden & Exterior
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Clear piles of wood, rubble, or junk
- Keep compost well managed and sealed
Frequently Asked Questions
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Did rat numbers go up everywhere during COVID‑19?
- Yes – reports from the CDC and local health bodies confirm more activity worldwide, especially in cities like Sydney.
-
Can rats chew through brick or concrete?
- No – but they use existing cracks and can widen weak spots with their teeth. Steel wool and cement are effective barriers.
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How quickly should I act if I see one rat?
- Immediately – one rat usually means more nearby. A breeding pair can produce up to 40 young in a single season.
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Do I need a professional for a few droppings?
- Yes – droppings mean an active presence. Professionals find hidden nests and apply safe, legal treatments.
📚 Related Guides
- Complete Rodent Control Guide for Sydney Homes
- How to Identify Rat vs Mouse Droppings in Your Home
- Why DIY Rodent Control Fails in Sydney Homes
- The Iceberg Theory of Pest Infestations Explained
- How to Prevent Rodent Infestations in Sydney Homes Permanently
- What are Effective Solutions for Rodent Control in Sydney?
- What are fast solutions for rodent control in Sydney homes?
- What does rodent extermination in Sydney involve?
- Rat Control Sydney: Effective Strategies for Homeowners
- Rat vs Mouse: How to Identify Rodents in Your Sydney Attic
- How to Get Rid of Rodents in Walls Efficiently
- Diseases Rats Carry | Sydney Rat Health Risk Guide
- How to tell the difference between pest allergies covid or the flu
- Covid-19 Pest Surge
- Covid-19 & Pest Control
- Can Pest Control Be Tax Deductible When Working From Home?
Need Help With Rats In Sydney?
Rat infestations continue to affect Sydney homes and businesses due to the city’s dense urban environment, food availability and abundance of hiding places. Properties including restaurants, warehouses, apartments and residential homes can experience rodent issues if entry points and attractants are not managed. Regular inspections and preventative rodent control can help protect Sydney properties.
Protect your home, business, and loved ones with expert rodent control.