If you’ve discovered signs of rats around your property—chewing packaging, droppings, or scratching sounds in the walls—it’s time to get serious about what might be drawing them in. One of the biggest culprits? Food. Rats are opportunistic scavengers with broad palates, and once they find a reliable source, they’ll settle in and invite their friends, too.
Understanding what rats eat can help you identify risks and take steps to keep these unwelcome guests out. Let’s take a closer look at what rats like to eat, what unusual items they’re willing to snack on, and what you can do to protect your home.
8 Foods That Attract Rats to Your Home
Rats are resourceful foragers with a taste for the foods you likely have in your pantry. If you’re dealing with an infestation or trying to prevent one, these are 8 of the most common foods that are likely attracting rats to your home:
1. Peanut butter
Rats love to eat peanut butter. Its strong scent and high-fat content make it a powerful lure, and when it comes to baiting rats, few things work better than peanut butter. Many pest control experts consider it one of the rats’ favorite foods.
2. Cheese
Rats are big fans of cheese, thanks to its strong smell and high fat content. Soft or hard, fresh or aged, cheese offers the kind of rich, calorie-dense food that rodents can’t resist.
3. Pantry Staples
Common items that attract rats include flour, pasta, rice, bread, and chips. These carbohydrate-rich foods are easy to chew and perfect for their energy needs.
4. Pet food
Rats are known to eat cat food and dog food that is left in bowls or stored in bags because these high-protein meals are just as nourishing to rats as they are to your pets.
5. Sugary Treats
Rats are drawn to sugary foods like cookies, candy, cereal, and pastries. These items are high in calories and provide quick energy, exactly what a scavenging rodent is looking for.
6. Meat Scraps
Protein-rich meat leftovers are a major attractant for rats. Whether it’s cooked or raw, rats won’t hesitate to dig into discarded pieces of chicken, beef, or fish from the trash.
7. Fruits and vegetables
Fresh produce and even peels or overripe fruits are fair game. Apples, bananas, tomatoes, and leafy greens all emit enticing smells that can lure rats indoors.
8. Nuts and seeds
Packed with fat and nutrients, nuts and seeds are a favorite rat snack. They’ll raid bird feeders, pantries, or snack bags to get to almonds, sunflower seeds, peanuts, and more.
By identifying and securing these 8 common rat-attracting items, you’ll make your home less inviting to hungry rodents. The fewer food options available, the less likely they are to stick around—or show up at all.
What Unusual Things Do Rats Eat?
While moldy food is unsafe for humans, rats have tougher stomachs. Rats do, in fact, eat mold and moldy foods like bread, cheese, or fruits. Rats will also eat ants. Though they’re not their primary food source, rats will eat insects if available. They may also consume beetles, cockroaches, and other insect pests that are attracted to your property. Rodents are scavengers and will consume just about anything organic, including pet droppings, moldy foods, and insects.
Do Rats Like Eating Human Food?
Absolutely. rats like eating what you do, but they’re not nearly as picky. Leftovers left on the counter or crumbs under your dining table are all potential meals. Even unopened pantry items can be accessed if rats chew through packaging, which they often do. And just because it’s sealed doesn’t mean it’s safe. Rats have strong teeth and will chew through plastic bags, cardboard, and even thin plastic containers.
Prevent Rats from Finding Food in Your Home
Now that you know what attracts rats, the next step is making sure your home doesn’t invite them in. Start by storing all dry goods in airtight glass or metal containers because rats can easily chew through cardboard boxes and plastic bags. Cleanliness is also key. Crumbs left on countertops, floors, or under appliances can serve as easy meals for rodents, so it’s important to wipe down surfaces and sweep regularly, especially in the kitchen and dining areas.
Your trash and compost bins can also become feeding grounds if not handled properly. Use containers with tight-fitting lids, and avoid putting food scraps into outdoor compost unless it’s sealed in a rodent-proof system. Pet food should never be left out overnight, as it’s packed with protein and fat, exactly what rats are looking for. Always pick up uneaten food after mealtime and store it in secure containers.
Finally, make sure rats can’t even get inside. These pests can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter, so inspect your home for gaps around doors, windows, pipes, and vents. Sealing these entry points with materials like steel wool or caulk can help keep them out for good.
By understanding what rats eat, eliminating those food sources, and blocking access, you’ll make your home far less inviting to rodents. Still, even with your best efforts, an infestation can be tough to tackle alone. If you’re not seeing results, it might be time to call in professional help. For reliable pest control in Orange County, reach out to a trusted provider to protect your home and peace of mind.
Keep Your Property Rodent-Free with Preventive Pest Control
At Preventive Pest Control of Southern California, we offer comprehensive pest control in the Inland Empire and surrounding areas, including inspections, targeted treatments, and preventive measures. From spraying bugs like ants, termites, spiders, mosquitoes, and wasps to eliminating rodents, we craft tailored solutions to keep your home or business pest-free.
For over 20 years, we’ve protected residents in Southern California from pest threats with services tailored to your schedule and needs. We not only address current infestations but also implement proactive plans to prevent future ones. Whether you have ants and cockroaches or rodents and termites, we’ll help you reclaim your space.
Don’t wait until a few rats turn into a major infestation. Contact Preventive Pest Control today for a free consultation, and let our experienced team restore your peace of mind with trusted rodent control in Orange County and beyond.