Rats on the Terrace and Around Water Tanks

Terraces often hold water tanks, stored items, discarded furniture and sometimes pigeon feed or compost. For rats, they offer shelter, water and a route from trees, walls and pipes into the building. Rats near water tanks are also a hygiene concern.

This guide explains how to deal with them.

The short answer

Rats come to terraces and water tanks for shelter among stored items, water from leaks and tank overflow, food from bird feed or waste, and easy access along pipes, trees, parapets and cables. They can contaminate stored water if tanks are not properly covered. To control them, keep tank lids tight and in good repair, fix leaks and overflow, clear clutter and food, trim branches, secure gaps along pipes and into the stairwell, and use traps or professional control. Clean and disinfect tanks regularly.

Why rats go to terraces

• Shelter: Stored items, cartons, old furniture and cluttered corners.
• Water: Tank overflow, leaks and puddles.
• Food: Bird feed, food waste and plants.
• Access: Branches, pipes, cables and parapet walls.

Hygiene risks around tanks

• Rats can contaminate water with droppings and urine if lids are broken or missing.
• Dead animals in tanks can pollute drinking water.
• Gnawed pipes and fittings can leak.

Inspecting

1. Check tank lids for gaps and damage.
2. Look for droppings, gnawed material and nests on the terrace.
3. Inspect pipes and the overflow outlet for openings.
4. Look at the door to the terrace and its gaps.
5. Check trees or structures that touch the building.

Control and proofing

• Fit tight, secure lids on tanks, and cover overflow and vent pipes with fine mesh.
• Repair leaks and avoid water pooling.
• Clear clutter, cartons and unused items.
• Do not leave bird feed or food waste on the terrace.
• Trim branches and keep plants away from the parapet and walls.
• Seal gaps around pipes and cables where they enter the building.
• Fit a door sweep and close the terrace door.
• Use traps or call a professional.

Cleaning tanks

Have tanks cleaned and disinfected regularly by a competent service, and more urgently if you suspect contamination. Do not use stored water for drinking if you suspect a dead animal or contamination, until it is cleaned.

Safety

• Be careful on the terrace, especially near edges.
• Wear gloves and a mask when clearing droppings.
• Keep poison baits away from children and pets.

When to call a professional

If rats appear repeatedly, or you find signs near the water tank, call a professional and a tank cleaning service.

Frequently asked questions

Can rats get into a closed tank?

Through gaps in the lid, overflow and vent pipes. Fine mesh helps.

Is the water safe to use?

If you suspect contamination, avoid drinking it until the tank is cleaned.

Who is responsible for the terrace?

In apartments, it is usually common property. Raise it with the society.

Do pigeons attract rats?

Spilled feed and droppings can, so keep the area clean.

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.