How Many Rats Live in a Nest?

If you see a rat in your home, you might wonder how many other rats live in the same area. The fact that female rats can give birth to over 40 babies each year suggests the difficulty of estimating rat population. A typical rat colony contains at least 100 rats, but the number can be higher.

Rats like to make their nests in areas that offer shelter and food. They will nest in the walls of buildings and lofts. You can usually find them by searching for holes in the walls. These areas tend to be cluttered and dark. Occasionally, these spaces can grow very large.

Depending on the species of rat and the size of the nest, the number of rats living in a nest can range from five to ten. A single nest can contain multiple colonies of young rats. A single colony of Norway rats can number as many as 100. Rats are known to use nests to raise their young and hide.

Rats are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They are social creatures and live in groups of various sizes. Rats have an excellent sense of smell. Some scents that repel rats include peppermint, garlic, onions, and hot peppers with capsaicin. The scent of a predator (cat) is also known to repel rats.