Rats are annoying and a serious problem for both homes and businesses. Rats spread diseases, damage property, and quickly become a bigger problem if they find reasons to stay around. Have you ever wondered what attracts rats and mice to your house?
Here, we’ll cover the things that attract rats to homes and businesses, as well as simple steps you can take to deter rats. Rodent Solutions offers professional pest control in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and surrounding areas. We’re here to help you get rid of rats!

Food Sources: The #1 Reason Rats Are Attracted to Your House
Rats are always looking for food. If they find any trace of it around your property, they’ll move in fast.
Indoor Food Sources
Inside your house, rats are attracted to:
- Unsealed Pantry Items: Open boxes of cereal, grains, or pet food are like an open invitation to rats.
- Pet Food Left Out: Leaving pet food bowls out overnight can attract rats to your kitchen or garage.
- Garbage and Crumbs: Any small crumbs or trash can bring them in, especially if the trash isn’t secured tightly. Be sure to always have a secured lid on your trash cans.
Simple Tips to Control Indoor Food Sources:
- Keep food in sealed containers, especially in pantries. Rats can chew through plastic, so glass containers may be your best bet.
- Clean up crumbs regularly and don’t leave pet food out at night.
- Make sure trash cans have tight lids.
Outdoor Food Sources
Outside your house, rats are drawn to things like:
- Bird Feeders: Seeds can fall to the ground and attract rats.
- Compost Piles and Fallen Fruit: Compost or any fruits from trees can quickly catch a rat’s attention.
- Unsecured Trash: Bags of trash outside or overflowing cans are big rat magnets.
Outdoor Tips to Keep Rats Away:
- Clean up fallen fruit and avoid putting food waste in compost piles if you don’t have a secure setup.
- Keep garbage bags tightly tied and store cans in a secure location.
- Consider bringing bird feeders inside at night or using trays to catch stray seeds.
Shelter and Warmth: Perfect Conditions for Rats
Rats look for warm, quiet places to make their nests, especially when the weather cools down. Your home offers plenty of cozy spots for them to settle in.
Common Rat Nesting Areas
- Attics, Basements, and Garages: These areas provide warmth and are often less trafficked by people, making them perfect nesting spots.
- Cluttered Spaces: Piles of clothes, storage boxes, or old furniture are ideal hiding places for rats.
Tips to Reduce Shelter Spots Indoors:
- Regularly organize and declutter areas like garages, attics, and basements.
- Seal any holes or cracks around doors, windows, and walls to prevent rats from sneaking in.
Water Sources: Another Thing That Attracts Rats to Your House
While food is a top attractant, rats are also drawn to water sources. Just like us, they need water to survive, and they’ll go wherever they can find it.
Common Sources of Water for Rats
- Leaky Pipes and Faucets: A dripping faucet or pipe is a convenient water source for rats.
- Pet Bowls: Like food, pet water bowls left outside can bring rats close to your home.
- Birdbaths and Standing Water: Even puddles or buckets of water can attract rats.
How to Limit Water Sources Around Your House:
- Fix any leaky pipes or outdoor faucets.
- Bring pet water bowls indoors at night.
- Empty birdbaths and avoid leaving buckets or standing water outside.
Clutter and Debris: Hiding Spots Rats Love
In addition to needing food and water, rats seek out places where they can hide. Outdoor clutter gives rats a place to feel safe and hidden, making them more likely to set up camp around your house.
Common Outdoor Clutter That Attracts Rats
- Leaf Piles, Overgrown Plants, and Tall Grass: These areas make it easy for rats to hide.
- Firewood Stacks and Storage Bins: Unorganized firewood or outdoor storage creates shelter for rats.
- Unused Items or Debris: Things like old appliances, tires, or even outdoor furniture can provide cover.
Simple Tips for Decluttering Outdoors:
- Keep lawns mowed, trim back plants, and clear away piles of leaves.
- Store firewood at least a foot off the ground and keep it away from the house.
- Regularly organize and remove any unused items or debris from your yard.
Damaged Soffits and Fascia: Entry Points for Rats
Damaged soffits and fascia might not seem like a big deal, but they’re a big opportunity for rats looking to get inside. Here in Florida, we get a lot of calls shortly after storms from people hearing rodents in their attic. This is typically due to damaged or missing soffit from harsh winds. Gaps in your home’s soffits and fascia give rats a direct entry point to the attic or walls, making it much easier for rodents to take over your property.
How Rodent Solutions Can Help with Soffit and Fascia Repairs
At Rodent Solutions, we don’t just remove rats; we also help protect your home with soffit and fascia repairs. By fixing these vulnerable spots, we can help stop rats from finding their way inside.
Signs That Rats Are Attracted to Your Property
Knowing the signs of a potential rat problem is key to taking action before they move in. Here are some common signs that rats are attracted to your property:
- Droppings: Small, dark droppings are a sure sign rats are close by.
- Gnaw Marks: Rats chew constantly, so you may see gnaw marks on wood, wires, or food packaging.
- Nests or Shredded Material: Rats often build nests out of shredded paper or insulation.
- Noises in the Walls or Attic: Scratching or scampering sounds, especially at night, could mean rats are nearby.
Why Choose Rodent Solutions to Keep Rats Away?
Rodent Solutions is dedicated to keeping homes and businesses rat-free in Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and the surrounding areas. Our team offers comprehensive rat prevention and control services, including:
- Rodent Exclusion: We seal entry points to stop rats from getting inside.
- Repair Services: From soffit repairs to closing up gaps, we make your home less inviting to rats.
- Ongoing Monitoring: With regular checks, we ensure that your property stays protected over time.
Conclusion: Take Action Against Rats Today!
Knowing what attracts rats to your house is the first step in keeping them away. By removing food, water, and shelter, you can make your property less attractive to rats. And when you need expert help, Rodent Solutions is here to provide effective, lasting solutions for homes and businesses across Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, Parrish, Sarasota, and beyond.
Contact Rodent Solutions today to learn how we can help you keep rats and other pests away for good!

Pest/Wildlife Control 15 Years
Construction for 13 Years
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