Rodents (including rats) are adaptable creatures that can live both indoors and outdoors. Knowing where they like to stay can help spot and prevent rodent-related nuisances or health problems. Each type of rodent has its own preferred hiding spot.
Rodent Nesting Sites: Indoors vs. Outdoors
When rats come indoors, they look for warm places close to food. Common indoor spots include:
- Attics: Rodents might nest in quiet corners or within the insulation in attics.
- Wall Voids: These hidden areas provide a safe space for rodents to nest and have babies.
- Basements and Crawl Spaces: These dark, quiet spots are perfect for rodents.
- Storage Areas: Rodents use clutter and stored items as cover to build their nests.
Rats mostly live outside where they look for shelter, food, and safety from predators. Where they choose to live depends on the type of rodent:
- Norway Rats: These digging rodents often make nests in thick plants or underground, like under the foundations of buildings.
- House Mice and Deer Mice: These smaller rodents look for hidden and protected places like in trees or under rocks.
- Roof Rats: Known for climbing, these rats make their homes up high, in trees or on rooftops.
- Meadow Voles: These rodents are often found in grassy or marshy areas, where they build intricate tunnel systems to protect themselves and store food.
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Identifying and Addressing Rodent Infestations
Finding rodent nests (including rat nests) inside can be tough because rodents stay away from people. Signs like droppings or chew marks usually appear before you see any rodents. If you notice these signs, it’s important to get help from professional rodent exterminators like Allied Termite & Pest Control to remove them and prevent them from coming back.
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