What Time Are Rats Active?
WouterIf you notice a rat in your home, it’s important to know what time they’re most active. Rats are nocturnal, which means that they are most active at night. Rats are attracted to bird feeders, pet food bowls, and left-over food on grills. They also seek cover in yards and buildings with plants and dense vegetation. Dog poop can also attract rats. When they’re habituated to humans, rats are more likely to venture out during the day. However, they are largely nocturnal at night.
Rats are most active at night, but some can be active during the day as well. They will usually leave their nest in the dark to find food, but will not stay out long. They are fast hunters, so they will quickly find a source of food and return to their nest. Despite their natural schedule, rats don’t adhere to any set time, and may leave during the day in order to find a place to live. It’s also possible that they may remain awake during the day if they feel threatened, or if they are feeling high alert.
Rats are highly social. When no one is around, they may play with their fellow rats or couple up. They also communicate with each other via high-frequency calls. They use these calls to find each other and find their food. Another common nocturnal activity of rats is scavenging for nest building materials. Rats will scavenge for cardboard, wood, and soft materials for their nest.
