How Many Rats Are in a Nest?
WouterWhen determining how many rats are in a nest, it helps to know exactly where to look. Rats will use almost anything for their nest, including garbage, leaves, and grass. They can also use socks and blankets. If you suspect rats are living in your home, look for missing items and make sure you remove them.
The number of rats inside a nest varies according to the species of rat and the size of the infestation. Usually, the number of rats will range from five to ten, but sometimes there can be as many as 100. Nests will often be found in cavities of walls or lofts and will be dark and cluttered. These areas can also contain multiple colonies of young rats.
Rats are social creatures and tend to live in groups of different sizes. Rats can detect the smell of various substances, including food packaging, clover, and onion. Some scents that will repel them include house ammonia, peppermint, and used coffee grounds. Another scent that may attract them is that of a predator. If you suspect you have a rat infestation, you can treat your home with poison bait or use traps.
Rats are nocturnal creatures and are most active around half an hour after sundown and an hour before sunrise. They will spend the night outdoors and hunt for food up to a hundred feet from their nest. Rats will eat virtually anything, and they can eat up to a third of their body weight each day. Rats can live up to four years and can breed several litters a year. Rats are social creatures and will defend themselves by biting if cornered.
