Because Laying Poison Is Only Half The Battle!
If you are thinking of trapping a rat, the first question is often, what do a rat eat? Knowing what the best way is to attract them is critical, so we must get this right when trapping.
Fortunately, wild black and brown rats aren’t fussy eaters and they’ll scavenge food from a wide variety of sources. They are looking for high energy, long-lasting food sources and they are suspicious of new foods. While it’s a popular belief that rats eat cheese, they prefer more delicious treats like chocolate and peanut butter too!
What Do Rats Eat in Your Backyard?
Are you wondering what do rats like to eat when they are having the time of their life in your backyard? Here is a list of what do rats like eating:
Grains & seeds
Just like us, grains and seeds are a great energy source for rats. That is why you’ll often find rats in places like feed stores, chicken coops, or even where you might be feeding birds on your lawn.
Nuts
Rats love any kind of nuts, foraging under walnut trees and hunting out your jar of peanut butter. High fats content mean high energy, just what rats need.
Fruits & vegetables
Fruit trees with plenty of overripe fruit are a banquet for rats to feast on, and your compost bin is full of great vegetables they love. High in sugar, these foods encourage rat breeding during high-production seasons.
Small animals & insects
This one’s the killer of our native wildlife. Brown and black rats love protein-dense insects, and some breeds, like the Ship Rat, are great climbers which allows them to get directly into nests and steal eggs. They even eat other rats, they’re not fussy.
Everything you leave behind
As some of the best scavengers on the planet, rats are always found living where humans are. They love human rubbish and will often be found in or around bins. It’s critical to consider what rubbish is present when you’re evaluating the performance of your trap.
What do Rats Eat as a Food Source in A Trap?
Chocolate
While they may not have the luxury in the wild, if a rat smells chocolate, it’s sure to be tempted. It’s the perfect combination of high sugar & high fat, so they’re super keen on it.
Peanut butter
No matter which brand you use, both black and brown rats are sure to love peanut butter on a trap. One thing to be cautious of is that peanut butter goes rancid within a week, so replacing it in your trap regularly is key. The smell is critical for attracting rats, so keep it fresh.
Familiar foods
If you’ve seen rats around your pet food, maybe try using this in your trap. They’ll already be familiar with the smell and taste of the food which makes it super appealing to them. You can also try meat sources or other foods that are familiar in your backyard.
But if nothing seems to help a rat in your London home, call the best pest control London and get the job done!
When to Call CCS Pest Control to Deal with a Rat Problem
Rats pose serious health risks and can damage your property, so if you find yourself facing a rat infestation, reach out to the rat pest control at CCS Pest Control today. We have a proven track record of trapping rats and effectively removing them from your property.
Our team combines expertise with eco-friendly solutions to ensure your home or business is rat-free. Contact us today to schedule an inspection or heat treatment of your property.
FAQs
- What do rats most commonly eat?
Rats are omnivores and have a varied diet. They typically eat grains, seeds, fruits, vegetables, meat, and sometimes garbage or food scraps. They are especially attracted to high-calorie foods, such as peanut butter, cheese, and sugary treats.
- What do wild rats eat in the UK?
Wild rats in the UK primarily forage for food in urban areas and rural locations. They consume a variety of things, including food scraps, fruit, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and sometimes small animals or bird eggs. They may also scavenge from garbage bins, compost heaps, or animal feed.
- Which food attracts rats?
Rats are attracted to foods that are high in fat, sugar, or protein. Common foods that lure rats include:
- Peanut butter
- Cheese
- Bread
- Bacon
- Chocolate
- Fruit (especially bananas and apples)
- Grains and cereals
- Pet food
- Compost or decaying organic matter
