What Season Do Rats Come Out Out?

There is no set time when rats and mice will start breeding. During the summer, temperatures remain warm, so a rat or mouse will begin breeding and growing. Fall, however, brings fruits and vegetables, like apples and blackberries, which are hearty meals for rodents. Once the weather becomes cold, rodent populations may surge outdoors.

Rats establish territories and will protect their group from outside predators. They will defend their territory with aggression. The male will attempt to prevent other males from mating, and the female will actively defend her group by constructing a nest of wood, rags, and other materials. Although they are mostly nocturnal, they will breed year-round if they have plenty of food and shelter. In the spring and fall, the female will start breeding at about 40-45 days old.

In the summer, rats and mice will look for warm places to stay. They will also begin to seek shelter indoors and will eat your pet food. If you have an outdoor pet, make sure you feed him before dark so that he doesn’t attract rat and mice. You should also make sure to clean up any mess they may leave behind.

While rats and mice tend to be more active in warmer temperatures, they are active even when there’s snow on the ground. In the Pacific Northwest, they are even active under the snow.