Rats appear to be a plague in One Military Hospital in Pretoria, Beeld newspaper reported on Tuesday.
It said this emerged from a report compiled by the hospital's infection control unit.
A dead rat was recently retrieved from the ceiling of the intensive care unit after complaints about a bad smell in the area.
Another was chased out of unit as patients looked on.
A dead rat was also found in the ceiling of the dental unit. A snake, apparently lured by the rats, had to be removed from the same unit.
The report expressed concern over a prevalence of cockroaches and flies in several wards, saying they posed a risk of secondary infections to patients.
One Military Hospital is the preferred hospital for local visiting VIP's, who receive treatment in a luxury wing.
Military health authorities would not immediately comment, Beeld reported. - Sapa