One of the most living animals in the world is the rat, which inhabits the cities, suburbs, and the countryside. One major reason for their survival owes to the fact that they can eat anything. If you’ve found signs of rodent activity around your home, you may be wondering what do rats like to eat and why your property is attracting them. The solution is frequently in the daily foods we leave around, inside, and outside. The best way to prevent infestations is to understand their diet.
How Rats Choose Their Food
Rats are omnivorous. This implies that they will eat whatever can be easily accessed, including fresh fruits and vegetables, through as discarded foods. On average, an adult rat consumes the figure 15-20 grams of food per day, which might sound insufficient; however, due to the diverse diet these creatures have, they make sure that they sustain their bodies with all the required food. They have a good sense of smell and are great explorers, which makes them discover food we might not notice.
Rats can easily build nests around them when the food supply is plentiful and accessible. That is why in the spots where the trash cans are overflowing, pet food containers are left outside, or the fruits have fallen on the lawn, one can always find rodents more active. And effective rodent control Abbotsford often starts with identifying and eliminating these easy food sources around homes.
Common Types of Rats and Their Food Preferences
Different species of rats have slightly different habits and food preferences, which can affect how and where they infest your home or property.
Norway Rat (Brown Rat)
This is the most widespread urban and suburban rat. Norway rats enjoy living on ground level, such as basements, sewers, and garbage pits. They prefer the foodstuffs that have high protein and carbohydrate components, including meat scraps, grains, pet food, and garbage. They are also burrowers, which explains their tendency to approach places where they can easily get access to food waste or compost heaps.
Roof Rat (Black Rat)
Roof rats are more agile climbers and prefer higher locations like attics, trees, and rooftops. They are often found in warmer climates and like fruits, berries, seeds, and nuts. Roof rats also eat birdseed and can invade gardens or orchards where fruit is abundant. Because of their climbing skills, they may access food stored in upper cabinets or shelves.
Wood Rat (Pack Rat)
Less common in urban settings, wood rats are mostly found in rural or forested areas. They collect and store a variety of foods, including seeds, nuts, fruits, and sometimes small animals or insects. Their tendency to hoard means you might find nests filled with food scraps and even shiny objects.
Knowing which type of rat you are dealing with can help you better understand their feeding habits and target control methods accordingly. For example, securing pet food and garbage at ground level is essential for Norway rats, while trimming tree branches and protecting stored fruits may help prevent roof rat infestations.
Foods That Attract Rats
Fruits and Berries – Nature’s Sweet Attraction
Fruits and berries rank high on the list of rat favorites. The natural sugars in fruits like apples, pears, berries, and grapes provide them with a quick energy source. In the wild, they forage for fruit whenever possible, and in residential settings, fruit trees and berry bushes can act as magnets. Even fruit scraps in compost bins or trash cans can lure them from a distance.
The sweetness and aroma of ripe or overripe fruit make it hard for a rat to resist. Many homeowners face challenges with rats attracted to backyard fruit trees and berry bushes. Proper yard maintenance and timely cleanup are important steps in successful rodent control Vancouver efforts.
Nuts – High-Protein Powerhouses
Nuts are another irresistible food for rats. Whether it’s peanuts, walnuts, hazelnuts, or almonds, these high-protein, high-fat foods provide essential nutrients and energy. Peanut butter, in particular, is a favorite because of its strong scent and stickiness, which makes it harder for rodents to snatch and run, an advantage for anyone setting traps.
If you store nuts or nut-based products in your home, keeping them in airtight containers is crucial to avoid attracting unwanted guests.
Plants, Grains, and Seeds – Everyday Staples
Rats are more than happy to feed on plants, grains, and seeds, both in gardens and storage areas. Seeds from bird feeders, grass seed in sheds, or grain products in pantries are all fair game. Even stored baking ingredients like oats and flour can be appealing if not sealed properly.
In agricultural areas, grain storage facilities often attract rats in large numbers. In suburban settings, something as simple as an open bag of birdseed on a porch can have the same effect on a smaller scale.
Meat and Protein-Rich Scraps
Although plant-based foods are often their primary choice, rats will eat meat when the opportunity arises. They commonly consume scraps of cooked or raw meat found in garbage bins, including poultry, fish, and red meat. They are not hunters by nature but will scavenge from dumpsters, compost piles, or even roadkill.
The smell of decaying meat is particularly strong, and while unpleasant to humans, it’s a dinner bell for rodents.
Trash and Food Waste
Few things are as attractive to rats as garbage. From stale bread to vegetable peelings, any edible waste is a potential meal. Even small amounts of leftover food tossed in open bins can sustain a small population of rats. Urban areas with poor waste management often see larger infestations for this reason.
Pet Food
Pet food is one of the most overlooked sources of nourishment for rats. Whether it’s dry kibble for cats and dogs or seed mixes for birds and small animals, rats see it as an easy meal. Outdoor feeding stations for pets or livestock can be especially problematic, as leftover feed can remain accessible for hours.
Even indoor pet food can be a problem if stored improperly. Once rats discover a consistent source of nourishment, they are unlikely to leave voluntarily.
Salty and Sweet Snacks
Rats also like salty and sweet snacks, just like humans. Foods like chocolate, candy, jerky, or baked goods are particularly appealing because of their high sugar or protein content. If these are left out or stored in unsealed packaging, rats can chew through bags and boxes to get to them.
Preventing Rats by Limiting Food Sources
The other half is eliminating those sources from your environment. This means cleaning up fallen fruit promptly, storing pet and human food in secure containers, and managing waste effectively. Even small preventive steps, like rinsing out recyclables or feeding pets indoors, can significantly reduce your home’s attractiveness to rodents.
Long-term prevention often involves a combination of food source management, structural repairs to block entry points, and, when necessary, safe and humane pest control measures.
Conclusion
Understanding what do rats like to eat is the first step in preventing them from becoming unwelcome guests in your home. Rats are resourceful survivors that thrive on a wide range of foods, from fresh fruit and nuts to discarded leftovers and pet food. By recognizing the items that attract them and taking steps to secure or eliminate those food sources, you greatly reduce the chances of an infestation. A clean, well-maintained property not only keeps rats at bay but also promotes a healthier living environment for you and your family.
For reliable and effective pest control solutions, trust ASM Pest Exterminator to help protect your home from rodents and other pests. Prevention is always easier and safer than dealing with a full-blown rodent problem.
