What material do rats use to build a house? - briefly
Rats construct their nests from soft, fibrous materials such as shredded paper, fabric, insulation, and plant debris.
What material do rats use to build a house? - in detail
Rats construct nests from a variety of readily available substances, selecting items that provide insulation, structural stability, and concealment. Their choices depend on the environment—urban, suburban, or rural—and on the materials accessible within a given location.
The primary components include:
- Fibrous plant material – dried grasses, straw, and shredded leaves supply a soft base that retains heat.
- Paper products – torn newspaper, cardboard, and tissue furnish additional padding and are easy to manipulate.
- Textiles – cotton, wool, and synthetic fabrics contribute to nest density and comfort.
- Wood fragments – splinters, shavings, and bark offer a rigid framework that supports the overall shape.
- Insulation and plastic – foam insulation, polystyrene, and thin plastic sheeting improve thermal regulation and protect against moisture.
Construction proceeds in layers. The lowest tier consists of coarse fibers and wood pieces that form a supportive platform. Above this, finer materials such as paper and fabric are packed tightly to create a cushioned chamber. The outermost layer may incorporate discarded insulation or plastic to seal gaps and deter predators.
Rats also incorporate debris collected from human activity—cigarette butts, food packaging, and other waste—when such items are present. This opportunistic behavior enables them to adapt quickly to changing surroundings and to build nests in concealed locations such as wall voids, attic spaces, crawl spaces, and underground burrows.