Menu
Where do rats live?
Rats and other rodents live where resources are available to them. Specifically, they want to be near food, water, and shelter. Most of the time, they’re able to find these and make their nests somewhere outdoors, but in rare cases will venture indoors. Common places where rats may be found on your property include:
- Gardens
- Basements and cellars
- Attics
- Behind appliances
- Under eaves
- Sheds or garages
- Beneath concrete slabs
- Wall cavities
Read on and let’s dive deeper into the types of rats in Southern California, where they can be found outdoors and inside, and why they choose their habitats.
Where Do Rodents Come from Outdoors?
In Southern California, we have three main species of rats and mice with varied preferences. Understanding the distinct preferences of these species can help you identify nesting sites and treat infestations.
- Norway rats are renowned burrowers and construct their nests in a variety of locations. Look for them in vegetation, alongside patios, and in underground burrows.
- Roof rats have a preference for nesting in trees and along rooflines.
- Deer mice are less picky in habitat selection. Nests may be located beneath decks, within tree cavities, under rocks or stumps, and other similar concealed spots.
Do You Have a Rodent Problem? We Can Help.
Click the button below to leave your information & we'll be in touch in an hour or less.
Where Do You Find Rats Indoors?
If you want to know how to find a rodent’s nest in your home, there are a few possibilities. When rats or mice come inside, they typically target specific areas for nesting. In general, they look for areas that are quiet and warm, with easy access to food or moisture.
- Norway rats tend to establish nests beneath the home’s foundation, making basements and crawl spaces common habitats.
- Roof rats prefer spaces with higher elevations, seeking shelter inside wall voids, attics, chimneys, and beams.
- House mice and deer mice gravitate toward secluded, dimly lit areas within homes for nesting. Their small size allows them to go unnoticed even in common areas, within furniture, and even behind warm appliances in kitchen or basement spaces.
How to Find a Rodent’s Nest in Your Home
If you’ve been hearing mysterious sounds, discovering traces of rodents, and convinced you have them, you might want to try to locate the nest. This is sometimes easier said than done. Rodents are very good at hiding, and will quickly vacate an area if they believe someone is coming.
- Follow the droppings: You may find droppings anywhere in the house, but if you start seeing more droppings in one particular area, you’ll know that’s likely where the rodents are living.
- Work your way outside-in: Find holes or other potential entry points outside. Rats and mice are more likely to nest near this area than somewhere else.
- Use a flashlight: Rodent nests will often be found in hard-to-reach areas and include hard-to-identify shredded material. The flashlight can also help you spot droppings or urine stains.
- Safety first: Wear a mask and gloves at a minimum. You don’t want to breathe the air in the same room as rodent nesting materials. Likewise, droppings and urine can carry diseases.
Let Us Find Them for You
If you keep finding signs of a rodent infestation, it’s important to act quickly. The longer the rodents are in your space, the more the infestation can spread and wreak havoc on your property or health. Whether you know where the rodents are hiding or you need help locating their nest, the rodent control experts at Econex Pest Management are here to help.
We have over 24 years of experience serving Anaheim and know how to eliminate infestations as quickly as possible. Call us today and schedule your service.