Norway rats tend to stay close to the ground even though the rats can climb. Norway rat burrows are tunnels or holes that Norway rats dig for nesting, resting, and storing food. Norway rat burrows are typically located near food sources. Rats usually stay within a 100-150 foot diameter from their nests and rarely travel more than 400 feet from their burrow for food or water.
Rat Burrows in Attic Insulation
Norway rats prefer to create rat nests at ground level or underneath it. They will still climb into your attic and create burrows. Attics are ideal locations for a rat infestation. It provides a safe place from predators that is rarely disturbed by people but is still close to food and water sources.
Norway rats will dig burrows in your insulation and create runways as they travel through it. Discovering rat holes, tunnels, and trails is a sign of a rat infestation that should not be ignored!
Other Signs of Rat Infestation in the Attic
Rat Droppings: One rat poops around 50 pellets a day. They look like dirt, rice, beans, or raisins
Gnaw Marks– Rats never stop gnawing and chewing. You can find gnaw marks on wood, PVC pipes, electrical wire, cardboard, and anything stored in an attic.
Grease Stains or Rat Tracks – As rats travel, they leave physical evidence of their movements. Smudge marks along walls and baseboards are from the oil on rats’ fur. Rats have four-toed front feet and five-toed hind feet. Unlike the tightly aligned toes on their back paws, the toes on their front paws are widely spaced in a circular pattern.
Strange Noises – Rats move around a lot and individuals should listen for the sounds of scurrying in attics, false ceilings, and wall voids. These noises intensify at nighttime, as rats are nocturnal and become most active after dusk.
Rat Damage to Insulation
Rats destroy attic insulation requiring it to be removed and replaced. Rat burrows decrease energy efficiency, and the droppings and urine contaminate it potentially spreading diseases to you and your family. Depending on the severity of the rat infestation, it can require a full attic restoration.
Identify Rat Holes in Attic Insulation
