Pest Library
Rats
Norway rats favor burrows, sheds, garages and low structures.
Overview
Norway rats are the species most often encountered in the region. They are burrowers, typically nesting in the ground along foundations, under sheds and decks, in dense vegetation, or near consistent food sources such as bird feeders, compost and trash storage.
Rat activity is often noticed outdoors first — burrow openings, runways through grass, or sightings at dusk — before there is any indoor evidence.
What to look for
Identify the pest
Compare what you found with these rats reference materials.
Norway rat
Heavy-bodied brown rat with small ears and a thick tail shorter than its body.
Signs of activity
Most homeowners find the evidence before they find the pest. These are the things people usually notice first.
Droppings
Rat droppings are noticeably larger than mouse droppings — closer to an olive pit than a grain of rice.
Burrows
Smooth, well-used burrow openings often appear beside foundations, decks or dense ground cover.
Rub marks
Repeated travel leaves dark greasy smudges along walls, pipes and joists.
Photos can help narrow down a pest problem, but many pests and signs of activity look similar. A photograph should not be treated as a definitive identification or diagnosis. Photo sources and credits.
Does this look familiar?
Pest signs aren't always easy to identify from pictures. Send us a photo of what you're seeing and tell us where you found it — we'll take rats into account.
Why they're common in the Hudson Valley
- Village and downtown areas with older commercial buildings, alleys and shared trash storage support established populations.
- Suburban properties with backyard chickens, bird feeders, compost piles or open garbage cans create reliable food sources.
- Cold weather and construction disturbance both push rats to seek new shelter, including garages, crawlspaces and outbuildings.
Signs of activity
- Burrow openings two to four inches wide near foundations, sheds or dense plantings
- Capsule-shaped droppings noticeably larger than mouse droppings
- Worn runways through grass, mulch or along fence lines
- Gnaw damage on wood, plastic bins, siding or utility lines
- Nighttime noise in a crawlspace, garage or drop ceiling
Where you'll find them
- Under sheds, decks, porches and concrete slabs
- Around trash and recycling storage
- Near bird feeders, chicken coops and compost bins
- Basements, crawlspaces and utility chases
Why it matters
- Rats can damage structures, wiring and stored goods, and contaminate food-preparation and storage areas.
- They can carry pathogens and parasites, so droppings and nesting material should be handled cautiously.
- Burrowing near foundations, walkways and slabs can undermine soil over time.
Prevention
- Use secure, hard-sided containers for trash and pet food
- Remove or elevate bird feeders and clean up spilled seed
- Keep compost in enclosed bins and avoid adding food scraps that attract rodents
- Close gaps under sheds, decks and garage doors
- Cut back dense ground cover and keep grass trimmed near structures
When to get an inspection
- You see burrows or rat activity in daylight, which can indicate a larger population
- There is evidence inside a garage, basement or crawlspace
- Neighboring properties are dealing with rodents as well
- You need help identifying and closing entry points
Signs of rats around your property?
If the activity keeps coming back, an on-site inspection is the reliable next step.