{"id":19023,"date":"2018-02-01T17:49:50","date_gmt":"2018-02-01T16:49:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.co.uk\/blog\/?p=19023"},"modified":"2018-02-02T13:13:49","modified_gmt":"2018-02-02T12:13:49","slug":"where-do-rats-nest","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rentokil.co.uk\/blog\/where-do-rats-nest\/","title":{"rendered":"Where do rats nest?"},"content":{"rendered":"

In the UK rats prefer to nest in places that are warm, secure <\/em>and with easy access to food and water<\/em>.\u00a0 Rats<\/a> need regular access to a water supply, unlike mice<\/a> who can, if necessary survive on just the moisture in their food.<\/p>\n

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All rats<\/em> looking to build a nest will search for a location that gives them these vital elements:<\/p>\n

Warmth & security<\/strong> \u2013 rats are looking for somewhere dry and warm to build their nests and a sheltered secure location to raise their young. Rats in the house<\/a> are more likely during the cold, wet winter months, particularly if groundwater levels or flooding have forced them to move.<\/p>\n

Easy access to food & water<\/strong> \u2013 rats like to make their nests close to a food source, eating on average 30 g of food a day. They will keep quite a tight area (from their nest) in which to search for food as they are very cautious, avoiding anything new in their territory until they have had time to get used to it. This is known as \u2018neophobic\u2019<\/em> behaviour. A rat\u2019s need for water is just as vital as food, as they require up to 60 ml of water every single day.<\/p>\n

Nest-building materials<\/strong> \u2013 rodents will shred just about anything available with their sharp incisor teeth to create soft, warm, dry nests to rest in and rear their young. They will happily fill their nests with shredded newspaper, loft insulation, cardboard, grass, leaves, plastic and scavenged pieces of cloth, wool and clothing.<\/p>\n

Rats nest in the house\u2026<\/strong><\/h2>\n

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