When Are Rats Most Active?

Rats are most active during the day, and you can sometimes see them on the street. This is when they come out of their burrows and look for food and water. They are also active in the late afternoon and early morning hours. Even though they don’t hibernate, they prefer warm spots and food.

In New Jersey, rats are most active thirty minutes before sunrise and thirty minutes after sunset. However, you can find them scavenging for food at any time. This is because rats only sleep for brief periods of time, so the rest of their waking hours are spent scouring for food.

During the cold months, rats become more active. During this time, they search for dark, secluded places where they can feed and stay warm. They usually dig small burrows that are about five to eight inches deep and large enough for a rat to squeeze through. If you find a rat nesting in your home, you can attempt to remove it before it becomes an issue.

During the day, rats hide in crevices and walls. They also run along fences and climb trees. Look for bundled-up twigs that point to a rat nest. Also, check for hollowed-out orange rinds.