What do rats eat in a cellar? - briefly
Rats in a cellar feed on stored grains, cereal products, fruit, cheese, and any food scraps they can reach. They also gnaw on cardboard, insulation, and other organic debris found in the space.
What do rats eat in a cellar? - in detail
Rats that inhabit a cellar survive on the resources that accumulate in damp, low‑light environments. Their diet consists of both organic waste and opportunistic food sources that are readily available in such spaces.
Typical consumables include:
- Crumbs and leftovers from stored grains, flour, and cereals.
- Spoiled produce such as fruit, vegetables, and mold‑infested food.
- Protein residues from meat, fish, or dairy products that have decayed.
- Insect carcasses, larvae, and other arthropods that develop in the cellar’s humidity.
- Organic debris from cardboard, paper, and wood, which provide cellulose and occasional fungal growth.
- Pet food or birdseed left unsecured in the area.
Rats also ingest non‑nutritive materials when preferred foods are scarce. These items comprise:
- Plastic fragments, insulation fibers, and rubber shavings.
- Small stones or soil particles that aid in digestion.
Seasonal variations affect availability. In winter, stored pantry items become the primary source, while in warmer months, increased insect activity adds protein. Access to human waste, such as discarded coffee grounds or spilled beverages, supplements moisture needs.
Overall, the cellar diet reflects a flexible, opportunistic feeding strategy that enables rats to exploit any edible matter present, from high‑energy grains to low‑quality detritus.