Bandicoot Rats: Identification and Risks

If you have seen a very large rat in a drain, garden or storage area in India, it may have been a bandicoot rat. These are among the biggest rodents found around homes, farms and godowns, and they can cause serious damage.

This guide explains how to identify them and what to do. Species details vary, so a professional can confirm identification.

The short answer

Bandicoot rats are large, heavy-bodied rodents, much bigger than common house rats, found across India in drains, gardens, farmland, grain stores and around buildings. They are strong burrowers and are known for making loud grunting sounds, which is why they are sometimes called pig rats. They can damage foundations, drains, crops and stored grain, and they can contaminate food and carry disease-causing organisms. Control involves removing food and cover, proofing buildings, careful trapping or professional baiting, and keeping the area clean.

How to identify them

• Size: Large and heavy, noticeably bigger than a normal house rat, with a thick body.
• Colour: Dark brown to grey-black, often coarse-furred.
• Behaviour: Strong diggers, they dig large burrows and tunnels, and may make grunting or squealing noises.
• Droppings: Larger than those of house rats.
• Where: Drains, gardens, farms, grain stores, godowns and around waste.

Signs of bandicoot activity

1. Large burrow entrances in soil, banks and under structures.
2. Heavily worn runways and mounds of soil.
3. Large droppings.
4. Damage to stored grain, vegetables and bags.
5. Undermined paving, walls and drains.
6. Grunting sounds at night.

Risks

• Structural damage: Burrowing can undermine foundations, drains and paths.
• Food loss and contamination: Grain stores and kitchens.
• Health: Rodents can spread germs through urine, droppings and contaminated food and water.
• Bites: They can bite if cornered.

Control

1. Remove food and cover: Secure waste, store grain in sealed containers and clear clutter.
2. Proof buildings: Seal gaps and use heavy-duty materials, since large rats can gnaw through thin barriers.
3. Trapping: Use large, sturdy traps placed along runways.
4. Professional baiting: Use tamper-resistant stations placed by trained people, away from children and pets.
5. Fill burrows only after they are confirmed empty.

Safety

• Do not handle live or dead rats with bare hands.
• Seek medical advice if you are bitten.
• Keep poison and traps away from children, pets and wildlife.

When to call a professional

Because of their size and burrowing, bandicoot rats are best handled by professionals, who can plan trapping, baiting and proofing safely.

Frequently asked questions

Are bandicoot rats the same as house rats?

No. They are larger and behave differently.

Do they live indoors?

They mostly live outdoors or in godowns and basements, but can enter buildings.

Are they dangerous?

They can bite and spread germs, and cause damage.

Can ordinary traps catch them?

Standard mouse traps are too small. Use sturdy, appropriate traps or professional help.

This guide is part of IPest's complete resource on rodent control. For identification help, prevention and treatment options, see our full rodent control guide for Bangalore.