Do Rats Come Out at Night?
WouterMany people wonder, “Do rats come out at night?” This question may arise when you are considering getting a pet rat or you hear rat-like scratching in the attic. Rats are nocturnal animals, which means they are active mostly at night. They tend to come out in daylight only when they are desperate for food or water. This makes them a prime candidate for entering dumpsters or garbage cans. The most common places you will see rats during the daytime are outdoor areas, such as gardens and yards with nut trees.
Rats can be found in homes, restaurants, and supermarkets. These rodents can cause a significant pest problem. They are particularly problematic in warehouses, grain elevators, and other areas where people often work or shop. Although rats rarely come out during the day, they may infest buildings where they can move freely and breed. In some cases, cats and dogs may attract the rat population to your home.
Rats can be found in all seasons, though spring and fall breeding season attract more sightings of them than other times of the year. They can be found in a variety of places, including abandoned pet food bowls, bird feeders, and grill leftovers. They can also be attracted to yard debris, such as dog poop and yard plants. Although they are nocturnal during the day, they will often come out at night if they feel comfortable in a human environment.
