Where are rats found?

Where are rats found? - briefly

Rice rats and house mice inhabit cities, sewers, agricultural fields, forests, and coastal regions, thriving wherever food, water, and shelter are available. Their distribution spans all continents except Antarctica, adapting to both indoor and outdoor environments.

Where are rats found? - in detail

Rats inhabit virtually every continent except Antarctica, thriving in a wide range of environments. The two most common species illustrate this adaptability.

• Norway (brown) rat (Rattus norvegicus):

  • Urban settings: subways, basements, abandoned buildings, and sewer systems.
  • Rural areas: farm outbuildings, grain storage facilities, and livestock pens.
  • Natural habitats: riverbanks, wetlands, and low‑lying forests where water is abundant.

• Roof (black) rat (Rattus rattus):

  • Tropical and subtropical regions: attics, roofs, and tree canopies.
  • Agricultural zones: orchards, plantations, and crop fields where fruit and grain are accessible.
  • Coastal areas: docks, ships, and harbors where cargo provides food sources.

Geographic distribution reflects climate tolerance. Norway rats prefer temperate zones but can survive in colder climates when shelter is available. Roof rats favor warmer climates and are less common in high‑latitude areas. Both species exploit human activity, establishing colonies wherever food waste, shelter, and water are present.

Specific locations where rat populations are regularly documented include:

1. Metropolitan sewer networks and storm drains.
2. Residential basements and crawl spaces with concealed garbage.
3. Commercial kitchens, restaurants, and food‑processing plants.
4. Grain elevators, silos, and storage warehouses.
5. Agricultural fields, especially those growing cereals, corn, and legumes.
6. Coastal ports, shipping containers, and vessel decks.
7. Forested river valleys and marshlands with dense vegetation.

Their presence is confirmed by systematic surveys, pest‑control records, and ecological studies across North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, and South America. In each region, rats exploit the overlap of shelter, food, and water, establishing stable colonies that persist despite seasonal changes.