Rats are highly adaptable and widespread creatures that have successfully coexisted with humans across various environments. Their ability to find shelter and sustenance allows them to thrive in diverse settings, from dense urban landscapes to rural areas.
Global Presence and Adaptability
Rats are found across nearly every continent, having spread globally through human activities. Their widespread distribution is a testament to their adaptability, as they flourish in diverse climates and ecological niches. An omnivorous diet, rapid reproduction rates, and versatile habitat selection allow them to exploit available resources efficiently, adapting to both abundant and scarce food sources.
Species-Specific Habitats
Two species, the Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) and the Roof rat (Rattus rattus), are most commonly associated with human environments, each exhibiting distinct habitat preferences.
Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, typically prefer ground-level living. They are known for digging extensive burrow systems, which can be 2 to 4 inches in diameter and extend up to 6.5 feet in length and 18 inches deep. These burrows offer shelter and are often found along foundations, under concrete slabs, or near stream banks.
In contrast, Roof rats, also called black rats or ship rats, are skilled climbers and prefer elevated locations. They commonly establish nests in attics, trees, and the upper levels of buildings. These agile rodents utilize dense vegetation, power lines, and fences to access higher nesting sites. While Norway rats generally inhabit basements and lower floors, Roof rats are typically found in wall voids, soffits, and other spaces above ground level.
Outdoor Living Spaces
Rats establish themselves in outdoor locations offering shelter, food, and water. Norway rats create burrows under vegetation, rocks, logs, debris in yards, and near building foundations, porches, patios, and sheds. Sewers and drainage systems provide underground habitats, particularly for Norway rats, which are capable swimmers.
Other attractive outdoor spots include overgrown vegetation, woodpiles, compost heaps, trash piles, and abandoned equipment, offering concealment and nesting materials. Roof rats, with their climbing abilities, often nest in trees, dense shrubs, and vines. Riverbanks and areas near other water sources are also frequented by rats.
Indoor Hiding Spots
Inside buildings, rats seek secluded areas for nesting. Common indoor locations include attics, basements, and crawl spaces, which provide warmth and protection. Wall voids, false ceilings, and cluttered storage areas (especially in garages or basements) offer concealed pathways and nesting sites.
Rats frequently hide behind and under appliances like refrigerators, stoves, and dishwashers, where it is warm and often close to food sources. They may also be found inside cabinets or ductwork.
Rats can gain entry through various openings, including cracks in foundations, gaps around pipes, utility lines, damaged screens, roof edges, and uncapped drain pipes. They can squeeze through surprisingly small holes, even as small as a quarter-inch.