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Where do rats live?

Rats and mice don’t always want to be inside our homes and businesses. They usually live and nest outdoors, but try to remain nearby our buildings for food and occasional shelter. If you have rodents on your property, you’re likely trying to figure out where they’re nesting. These are the most common places you’ll find rodents:

  • Attics
  • Cavity walls
  • Under eaves
  • Basements or cellars
  • Beneath concrete slabs
  • Behind appliances
  • Sheds or garages
  • Gardens
Where do rats live in Central TN; The Bug Man

Where do Rats & Mice Nest Outside?

Most kinds of rats and mice like to live and nest outdoors. Norway rats usually burrow along our patios, gardens, or anywhere else with shelter or vegetation nearby. Roof rats usually build their nests in trees or along rooflines. Deer mice have a wide range of habitats spanning from fields and forests to deserts and more. You might find a rodent nest beneath your deck, in a tree cavity, under a rock or stump, or elsewhere.

Where Do Rats & Mice Live Inside?

If rats or mice do end up inside your home, there are a few areas to watch out for that they will probably target. Rodents will build their nests out of whatever is readily accessible, so many different areas of your property could end up vulnerable to an infestation.

  1. Rats: Norway rats are often found burrowing beneath the foundation of buildings, which means that they commonly end up in basements, crawl spaces, and similar areas. Roof rats prefer to attack from up high, so they’re more likely to end up in wall voids, attics, and chimneys. 
  2. Mice: House mice and deer mice try to find dark and secluded places to take shelter. Their smaller size affords them the opportunity to nest inside furniture and behind common household appliances.

Finding Rodents on your property

If you start finding signs of rodents around your home or business, like scratching noises, droppings, urine stains, and more, call a professional rodent exterminator for an assessment. Because the areas around their nests can be dangerous for a few different reasons, it’s important to use caution when trying to locate the nests of the rodents living in or around your building.

Where Do Rats Live? in Central Tennessee

Serving Central Tennessee

Murfreesboro, TN | Smyrna, TN | Christiana, TN | La Vergne, TN | Brentwood, TN | Franklin, TN | Lebanon, TN | Mt. Juliet, TN | Nolensville, TN | Woodbury, TN | College Grove, TN | Rockvale, TN | Hermitage, TN | Liberty, TN | Spring Hill, TN | Thompsons Station, TN