Where do rats live?
Rats often live outside where they will look for food, shelter, and protection. They are impressively adaptive and can thrive in a variety of environments. Through understanding their preferences, you can proactively identify and manage potential infestations. Rats and mice have different subspecies and each exhibits unique behaviors. These traits will indicate why your home or garden could attract these rodents. For example:
- Norway Rats: These rats are known to burrow and will often create nests underground or in dense vegetation, including the foundations of a building.
- Roof Rats: Roof rats are skilled climbers and will often make their home in high places like on the roofs of houses or in trees.
- House Mice and Deer Mice: These mice are smaller and will look for cozy, secluded areas. They are often found nesting under rocks, in tree hollows, or other areas with protection.
Rat Nesting Sites: Indoors vs. Outdoors
When rats or mice move indoors, the primary goal is to find a space that is warm, quiet and provides close access to food. Indoor nesting sites commonly include:
- Attics: Rodents will look for isolated corners or use the insulation materials to create their nests.
- Wall Voids: Wall voids are an easy space for rodents to create nests and be free from disturbances.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: These spaces are often quiet and dark. Rodents also prefer clutter to hide in, making these spaces an ideal place to nest.
- Storage Areas: Similar to basements, storage areas typically are cluttered with boxes and insulation. Rodents can build their nests in these items and hide out of sight.
Rats can also establish a range of outdoor habitats, each chosen for its ability to provide safety, sustenance, and protection. Here are some of the most common outdoor locations where rats are likely to nest:
- Underground Burrows: Some rats will create and nest in a system of burrows. They are usually located beneath buildings, dense vegetation, and under debris piles. These burrows aid in keeping them hidden and protected.
- Dense Vegetation: Rats are attracted to dense vegetation such as shrubs and tall grass. These elements offer cover for rats to hide, build nests, and forage for food.
- Wood Piles and Junkyards: These locations are filled with materials that can be used for nest construction. They are also cluttered enough to help them feel secluded and safe.
- Gardens and Fields: These areas will offer ample food and supplies to create a shelter due to the vegetation and garden debris.
- Streams and Riverbanks: A constant water source is essential for rat colonies, so rats will often build nests close to bodies of water.
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Where Do Mice Live?
Mice are capable of living in numerous environments so they can survive almost anywhere so long as there is shelter, food, and water. Some common areas where mice often reside include:
- Fields and Grasslands: Coverage from predators is a main variable in habitat selection. Mice prefer areas that have plant and grass coverage to keep them safe from predators and the elements.
- Farms: Barns and granaries will often provide shelter and a source of constant food. There are also numerous small crevices for mice to nest in.
- Inside Homes: Homes provide mice with warm shelter during the colder months. They will gravitate towards quiet areas not commonly accessed by people, such as basements, wall voids, and attics. There is also a food source available for them through kitchens and pantries.
Should you suspect a mouse infestation, reach out to a professional exterminator, like American Pest Management so you can have your home inspected and pests removed from your property.
We Identify and Address Rat Infestations
It can be difficult to locate rodent nests since they are skilled at hiding from areas with human activity. You will likely see signs of a rodent infestation, such as dropping or gnaw marks before you come across a nest. When this happens, it is best to act as quickly as possible so the infestation doesn’t get out of control. Professional rodent extermination from American Pest Management can help remove these pests and prevent them from returning!