Do Rats Live Under Lawns?
WouterRats like to live in neighborhoods with people, and they quickly adapt to a new environment. They thrive on only a few ounces of food a day, so they tend to prefer areas with trash bins, homes, and private yards. Rats also prefer areas where garbage is disposed of in a community-run facility. In the event that you do find rats in your backyard, it is best to keep your trash in covered, rat-proof containers. To keep your yard rat-free, you should also repair any areas where they find shelter. Also, you should regularly check for new entry holes and plug them.
Rats can cause major damage to your landscape and structures. These animals are attracted to gardens and yards because they provide access to food and safe areas for their nests. When they burrow under structures, they can disrupt pipes and electrical wiring. Furthermore, they can spread disease and contaminate food.
In addition to eliminating food and water sources, you can also try flooding rat burrows to flush out the rats. However, be careful when you do this because the water can be contaminated with rat feces and dead rats. It is best to use protective gear and rubber gloves when fighting a rat infestation.
Besides burrows, rats also build a nest in structures. Their burrows are typically found under shrubbery and dense vegetation. They may also nest in woodpiles, sheds, and other structures, and can even be found near the foundation of homes.
