As the temperature drops, you may notice increased signs of rats around your property—whether that’s a commercial kitchen, a warehouse, or even a domestic garden shed. So, you might be questioning whether rats hibernate in winter. That’s what we’ll answer in this post.
Do Rats Hibernate?
No, rats do not hibernate in winter. Unlike animals such as hedgehogs or dormice, rats stay active all year round. Their metabolism and breeding cycles continue uninterrupted, meaning they remain constantly on the move looking for food, water, and warmth.
In fact, the cold season often pushes rats closer to humans—seeking shelter in warm buildings and nesting in quiet, hidden areas such as lofts, basements, storage rooms, and cavity walls.
Why Rats Invade Properties in Winter
Winter weather increases the pressure on rats to survive. Their natural outdoor food sources (berries, seeds) are reduced, and the cold drives them to look for more hospitable environments.
In Commercial Settings:
- Kitchens, food prep areas, and bin stores can attract rats.
- Warehouses and plant rooms offer undisturbed nesting sites.
- Poor waste management or structural gaps provide easy access.
In Domestic Homes:
- Rats may enter via broken air bricks, drains, or loft vents.
- Pet food left out or compost bins can be appealing food sources.
- Garden sheds and garages often provide warmth and shelter.
What Problems Do Rats Cause?
Rats are more than just a nuisance—they pose a serious threat to health and safety in both homes and businesses.
- Health Risks: Rats can carry diseases such as salmonella, leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), and hantavirus, which can be spread through urine, droppings, and contaminated surfaces.
- Property Damage: Their strong teeth can gnaw through wood, plastic, wiring, insulation, and more.
- Fire Hazards: Electrical damage from gnawing on wires can lead to dangerous faults and potential fires.
- Reputation Risk (for businesses): For hotels, restaurants, or shops, a single rat sighting can seriously damage your brand and customer trust.
Common Signs of a Rat Infestation
Whether you’re at home or managing a commercial site, look out for these warning signs:
- Droppings, especially near food areas or along skirting boards.
- Gnaw marks on packaging, wires, or furniture.
- Scratching or scurrying noises—especially at night.
- Greasy rub marks along walls or skirtings.
- A strong, musky odour near enclosed areas or cupboards.
How to Prevent a Winter Rat Problem
Rats can squeeze through holes as small as 15mm, so effective prevention requires vigilance and action.
Top Tips for Both Homes and Businesses:
- Seal Entry Points: Use steel mesh or expanding foam to block gaps in walls, pipes, and vents.
- Manage Waste: Store food waste in sealed bins and empty them regularly.
- Remove Attractants: Keep food and pet bowls off the floor overnight.
- Tidy Outdoor Areas: Clear clutter, overgrown plants, and compost heaps near buildings.
- Schedule Professional Monitoring: Regular inspections and treatment plans can detect issues early.
Professional Help When You Need It Most
At Merlin Environmental, we offer discreet, expert pest control services for commercial clients. Whether you run a restaurant, manage a warehouse, or an office —we can provide tailored, rapid solutions.
We operate across the UK, using the latest pest control techniques, and we guarantee results. Our certified technicians will ensure your rat problem is resolved quickly, safely, and with minimal disruption.
Don’t let rats take over your winter. Contact Merlin Environmental today for fast, effective rat control in your home or business.
