Where Do Rats Nest Outside?

Just like rats nesting in the attic or other areas in your home or business property, rats nesting outside will leave tell-tale signs behind that you can watch out for.

Rat droppings

Droppings left behind by rats are typically larger in size than mice droppings and can be found anywhere in the areas rats frequent to travel between their nest and food sources.

Gnaw marks or damaged materials

Rats need to chew to keep their growing teeth in shape. Unfortunately for you, they aren’t fussy about what they chew including furniture, packaging, wooden objects, hose pipes and even electrical wiring. Finding gnaw marks is a sure sign of rodent activity.

Burrows

Rats are burrowing rodents, so finding holes and burrows around your property, particularly in overgrown areas outdoors, is another indicator of pest activity.

Rat nests

Nests can be mistaken for bird nests but are usually made from soft materials obtained around your home and garden such as fabric scraps, insulation materials and paper products or cardboard packaging. There might also be a strong scent surrounding a rodent nest.

Pet activity

Dogs and cats might start acting strangely around the presence of rats, barking or meowing in certain areas and trying to find rat hiding holes. It’s a myth that having a pet will deter rodents, though they might help in alerting you to a problem.

Outside, rats look for sheltered areas like garages, sheds and outbuildings. They may also choose overgrown areas where they are less likely to be disturbed.

Many people are aware of tips to keep your indoor space tidy and how to seal gaps to stop rats from getting inside the house, but we don’t always think about keeping rodents out of the garden and outdoor areas.

Keep outdoor areas tidy

Keeping grass and plants trimmed will gives rats fewer places to hide. Similarly, clearing out clutter and keeping outhouses tidy as well as keeping rubbish secured in bins with a lid will help you to prevent rats. Plus the tidier your outdoor space is, the more likely you are to spot a rat problem if they do choose to move into your garden.

Avoid feeding pets or wildlife outside

Birdfeeders or leaving other food outside for birds is great for encouraging wildlife in the garden, but they can also attract rodents. Look for feeders that have a protective metal cage to prevent other animals from accessing them and avoid leaving pet food or food waste uncovered outside.

Block access points

Avoid leaving gaps around decking and seal any holes or cracks in walls, doors and floors of any sheds or outbuildings to secure them from rats.

Remove water sources

Rats need access to water to survive, and they aren’t fussy about where it comes from including ponds, water features or leaking outdoor taps. Rats in drains is also a fairly common occurrence so it’s important to keep your drains maintained and repair any signs of damage.

Move things around

Rats don’t like to be disturbed and they especially don’t like new things, so regularly moving around your garden furniture will mean they don’t get too comfortable in your garden.