Most people are surprised to find rats in their homes or on their property, and there are a few reasons for this. Firstly, many believe their homes are safe from rats, but this isn’t always the case. Rats can enter through tiny spaces, and if they find food or shelter on your property, they might just move in. Another reason for the surprise is the widespread belief that rats avoid light. But actually, this isn’t true. So, in this article, we are going to answer the question: do rats come out with the lights on?
Do Rats Come Out with the Lights On?
The belief that rats avoid light is because they are usually active at night. They’re nocturnal, which means they are used to the dark and don’t need much light to see. However, rats do come out during the day even when there is light. They are comfortable in both dark and light environments. Domestic rats don’t hide when lights are turned on, and wild rats behave similarly.
Sometimes, rats are more likely to be active during the day, especially in lighter conditions. For instance, they might do this if they live in a place that’s busier at night, like a club, or if they need to find food while avoiding stronger rats. Ultimately, rats will look for food whenever they feel safest, which is often at night, but this isn’t always the case.
Even though rats can handle light, they usually choose to avoid it because it’s in their nature. Some types of lights, like flashing lights, are even more likely to be avoided by rats. This is the reason many companies sell light machines to keep rats away; there’s truth to this method. However, rats can eventually get used to any kind of light, including these flashing ones.
What To Do If You See A Rat in a Light Condition
Don’t try to catch or corner the rat. Otherwise, you will scare it away. Instead, pay attention to where the rat came from and where it goes. You will eventually have to identify its nest or entry points into your home, and this will make things easier for you.
Note that rats are drawn to food sources as well as debris and clutter. So, if not already stored in sealed containers, do so to discourage them. You also have to check for any holes or gaps in your home that could be entry points for rats and seal them up.
If you are okay with handling rat presence on your own, go ahead and set rat traps. Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully and place them in areas where children and pets can’t reach them. If you are not confident about catching rats on your own or if you are dealing with a significant infestation, contact your local professional pest control services as soon as possible. The fight to keep these critters away is an ongoing one, so ensure regular cleaning, keep your sealed, and get rid of any clutter from your home.
Conclusion
So, yes, rats come out with the lights on. They will only stay away from light to protect themselves from being sighted by predators. If you see a rat on your property, try to figure out how it got in and what attracted it. Then, address these issues. You should use a snap trap to humanely eliminate the rat, remove any food that might attract them, and seal any entry points they used. Be aware that you might have more than one rat since they are social animals.
Read Also:Â When Do Rats Come Out of Hiding?
