Do Rats Come Out in the Summer?
WouterThe summer months are often a rat problem, because the temperatures get very hot and the food outside spoils faster. They also eat more than normal, which increases their weight. Rats are also attracted to the smell of organic matter. This means that people who do not clean regularly could find themselves with a full infestation.
While rats are known to be nocturnal, they can come out during warmer weather. Because they are not very good at sweating, rats stay close to water sources and avoid hot spots. They also cool themselves by circulating water over their bodies. You can often spot them running around in the yard early in the morning or late at night.
During the winter months, rats and mice like to come indoors. This makes their homes more comfortable and convenient. You can prevent them from coming into your home by preventing their water source. If you have leaky outdoor faucets, plug them up. Plugging up larger holes is also a good idea. Also, removing tree limbs and climbing vines can prevent them from getting inside.
You may see more rats during the spring and fall breeding seasons, but they are active throughout the year. Rats make nests in earth banks, concrete slabs, and walls. They usually locate their nests close to food and water sources. They also build runways in the grass and travel underneath other objects to hide their movement. Rats can travel up to 150 feet from their nest, but they will often travel much farther if they need to forage for food.
