Rats typically build their nests in quiet, hidden spots close to food and water sources where they feel safe from humans and predators. Around homes, the most common locations are inside walls, attics, basements, crawl spaces, garages, and sheds. Outdoors, rats nest in overgrown gardens, under decks, in wood piles, compost heaps, and along building foundations.

Norway Rats vs. Roof Rats — Where Each Nests

The two most common species behave very differently:

• Norway rats (most common in NH) nest low — in basement crawl spaces, burrows along foundations, under floors, and in ground-level wall voids. They dig tunnels and prefer ground-level or underground locations.
• Roof rats nest high — in attic rafters, upper-floor wall cavities, and elevated structures. They are agile climbers and enter through rooflines and eaves.

New Hampshire homeowners predominantly encounter Norway rats. If sounds are coming from the basement or walls at ground level, Norway rats are the likely cause.

Common Indoor Nesting Sites

• Inside walls: Insulated, dark, hard to access — entry through tiny cracks or holes
• Attics and roof spaces: Quiet, warm, usually undisturbed — entered via trees, gutters, or siding gaps
• Basements and crawl spaces: Especially in cluttered or moist conditions — look for gnawed holes and grease marks
• Garages and sheds: Common if pet food or stored goods are present — cardboard and fabric used as nesting material
• Under appliances: Refrigerators, ovens, washing machines, and the backs of cabinets near plumbing

New Hampshire-Specific Nesting Locations

In NH, Norway rats frequently nest in: basement crawl spaces beneath older stone-foundation homes (common throughout the state), woodpiles stacked against exterior walls, compost bins, and in wall voids of detached garages and sheds.

Typical Outdoor Nesting Spots

• Burrows along foundations — tunnels right next to outer walls with access inside
• Under decks and patios — dark, sheltered, often overlooked
• Wood piles, debris, and compost heaps — perfect for tunneling
• Dense shrubs and ground cover — leaves and sticks collected for nests
• Under sheds and outbuildings with open bottoms

Signs of Nesting Activity

• Small dark droppings near nest sites or along rat runways
• Gnawed holes in walls, floors, or around vents and pipes
• Greasy smear marks (from rat fur) on walls and baseboards
• Shredded paper, insulation, or fabric bundled in hidden corners
• Scratching or scurrying sounds at night

Prevention

Seal gaps larger than a quarter-inch, reduce clutter, store food securely, keep grass short, stack firewood at least 18 inches off the ground and away from walls, and fix leaks.

For safe nest cleanup procedures, see our guide on how to clean up after mice safely — the same protocols apply to rat nests.