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We are Nashville Wildlife, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Tennessee critter problems. We service the greater Nashville region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at (615) 922-6060 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service Robertson County, Sumner County, Wilson County, Rutherford County, Williamson County, Cheatham County, and more. We also service Belle Meade, Antioch, Bakers, Berry Hill, Bellevue, Donelson, East Nashville, Forrest Hills, Goodlettsville, Oak Hill, Ridgetop, Hermitage, Hopewell, Inglewood, Joelton, Lakewood, Lockeland Springs, Madison, Old Hickory, Pasquo, The Gulch, Tusculum, Whites Creek, Franklin, Hendersonville, Lebanon, Green Hills, and more.

Nashville Wildlife Education: Do Rats Hibernate?

If you live in a colder area of the country, then you will probably hope to hear that rats hibernate. If the animals hibernate, then you don’t have to deal with them during the winter months or worry about them causing damage to your property or spreading disease. Hibernation would, however, lead to the question of where the rodents hibernate and whether that would be in your home. The good news is that rats won’t hibernate in your home because they don’t hibernate at all. This also means that you won’t get a break from their antics during the winter.



What They Do In The Winter
Rats and other rodents such as mice don’t hibernate, even in the colder areas of the country. Instead, they go somewhere to seek shelter. Just like during the rest of the year, rats want food, water, and shelter during the winter. This time of year also adds the unique considerations of finding a warm, dry spot. Therefore, rats will try to find a nice spot that meets all of these requirements.

Where They Move
If the rats aren’t already in a warm, dry place with easy access to food, then they will work to find one before winter. Unfortunately for homeowners, this frequently means moving into your home. Rats enjoy living in sheds or houses during the coldest part of the year thanks to the insulation and structure. The crawl space under your home is particularly common as are other hidden areas. Although possible, you will rarely see a rat taking shelter inside the living areas of your home.

Rats may also decide to take up residence in a vehicle, particularly an out of use one, during the winter. The ventilation system and engine compartment both provide excellent protection from the elements and are concealed from people. Rats in your car can be as big of a problem as rats in your home since they may shred fabric, seat cushions, or paper to create a nest.

Natural Winter Habitats
Rats that live in wild areas instead of urban environments will seek shelter in caves or other natural shelters. They will typically collect food during the warmer months and store it in a cave where a group of rats will live together. If no caves are available, the rats may create burrows in the ground. They find a natural rock wall or boulder and then dig underneath the structure and create a burrow with just one entry and exit hole. They can stay warm because the ground provides insulation.

Previous Education Articles
What equipment is needed to trap a Nashville groundhog?
What's is the best bait to trap a wild Nashville animal?
Where should I relocate a trapped Nashville opossum?
What is a Nashville exclusion barrier?