“Rats everywhere!” read a recent NextDoor headline, followed by nearly a hundred frustrated homeowner comments. These days, it seems everyone has a rat story—from costly car repairs caused by chewed wiring to missing bird seed, gnawed garden produce, and unwelcome droppings in garages. One thing is clear: rat activity is on the rise, and it’s affecting homes, gardens, and neighborhoods alike.
Why rat populations are increasing
- Last year’s wet weather created ideal conditions for rats to thrive.
- Abundant rainfall led to heavy weed growth and plentiful seeds, providing a rich food supply.
- Rats are highly adaptable and opportunistic.
- When food sources disappear in one area, rats simply move to another.
- Urban and suburban environments offer easy access to shelter, water, and food.
Why rats are a serious concern
- Rats carry fleas and rat mites that can bite people and pets.
- They can transmit diseases such as:
- Murine typhus
- Salmonellosis
- Rat-bite fever
- Humans may be exposed through food or water contaminated by rat urine or feces.
- Rats cause property damage by:
- Chewing electrical wires
- Nesting in walls, attics, and vehicles
- Damaging fruit trees, vegetables, and irrigation lines
Signs of rat activity
- Rat droppings in near food preparation areas, storage areas, or around pet food containers
- Gnaw marks on fruit or nuts in your yard
- Rat nests behind boxes, in garage drawers, or in woodpiles
- Burrows beneath garbage cans and compost piles or among garden plants
- Rats traveling along utility lines or on fence tops at dusk
Prevention is the most effective control
- Remove food sources
- Harvest fruits and vegetables promptly.
- Feed pets during the day and remove leftovers immediately.
- Keep garbage and recycling bins tightly covered.
- Store bird seed and dry pet food in metal, rodent-proof containers.
- Eliminate shelter
- Remove garden debris and clutter.
- Trim trees, shrubs, and vines at least four feet away from roofs and utility lines.
- Thin dense vegetation near buildings and fences.
- Seal entry points
- Close openings larger than a dime with rodent-proof materials.
- Seal gaps around pipes, cables, and foundations.
- Repair screens and weather-strip doors, including garage doors.
Encourage natural predators
Raptors such as hawks, falcons, and owls are effective rodent hunters. A single barn owl family can consume up to 3,000 rodents per year. Avoid using rodenticides, poisoned rats can harm or kill predators that eat them. Wildlife rehabilitation data show widespread secondary poisoning in raptors and other animals.
If rats are already present
Use large snap traps or electronic “zapper” traps for quick, humane control. Avoid glue traps, which cause prolonged suffering and can harm unintended animals.
Click here for more information on managing rats.