What To Do If You Find A Baby Rat: South Shore IPM Guide

Finding a baby rat can be an unsettling experience, whether it’s inside your home, in your backyard, or somewhere unexpected. Many people instinctively feel a mix of concern and fear when encountering one of these tiny rodents. However, knowing what to do next is crucial in determining the best course of action. At South Shore IPM, we specialize in integrated pest management (IPM), focusing on humane and effective solutions to rodent problems.

In this blog post, we will discuss what to do if you find a baby rat, how to identify if it has been orphaned, and when it’s time to call professional pest control Boston services.

How To Identify A Baby Rat

Baby rats, also known as pups, are typically born hairless, blind, and completely dependent on their mother for survival. If you come across one, it may look similar to a newborn mouse, but there are a few distinct differences:

• Size: Newborn rats are larger than newborn mice, even at an early stage.
• Tail: A baby rat’s tail is thick, scaly, and proportionally longer than that of a baby mouse.
• Ears and Head Shape: Rats have larger, more rounded heads with noticeably smaller ears in relation to their body size.

If the baby rat is furred and moving around on its own, it is likely a juvenile rather than a newborn. This is an important distinction when determining how to handle the situation.

Is The Baby Rat Orphaned?

Before taking action, consider whether the baby rat is truly orphaned. Rats are highly social and protective of their young. If the baby is found alone, there is a possibility that the mother is nearby. However, there are certain signs that indicate the baby rat has been abandoned:

• The baby is cold to the touch, weak, or barely moving.
• It is in an exposed area with no sign of a nest.
• You’ve found multiple baby rats in a similar condition.
• The baby rat has been outside for a long time without any sign of its mother.

If you suspect the mother is still caring for the pup, avoid handling it unless absolutely necessary. Moving a baby rat can separate it from its mother, reducing its chances of survival.

Read Are Mice Nocturnal? Understanding The Activity Patterns Of These Tiny Pests to learn more.

What To Do If You Find A Baby Rat

1. Assess The Situation

Before deciding on a course of action, determine where you found the baby rat.

• Inside Your Home: If you find a baby rat indoors, it may be part of a hidden nest. Look around for any signs of rodent activity, such as droppings, chewed materials, or a strong ammonia-like smell.
• Outside Your Home: If the baby rat is outside, it could have been displaced from its nest by predators, construction, or other disturbances. Observe for any adult rats in the area.

2. Avoid Direct Contact

Baby rats, like adult rats, can carry diseases. Although they are less likely to bite than adults, handling them with bare hands can expose you to bacteria and parasites. If you must pick up the baby rat, use gloves or a towel.

3. Do Not Attempt To Raise The Baby Rat

Some people may feel inclined to care for an orphaned baby rat, but this is not recommended unless you are a trained wildlife rehabilitator. Baby rats require specialized care, including feeding schedules and proper nutrition. Furthermore, in many areas, it is illegal to keep wild rats as pets.

4. Contact a Wildlife Rehabilitation Center (If Applicable)

If you believe the baby rat is a wild rat (not a domestic or pet rat) and it is truly orphaned, your best option is to contact a local wildlife rehabilitation center. Some centers may accept orphaned rats, but others may not due to their classification as pests.

5. Contact A Pest Control Professional

Finding a baby rat inside your home is often a sign of a larger rodent problem. Rats reproduce quickly, and a single litter can grow into a full-blown infestation within weeks. If you’ve discovered a baby rat, it’s time to inspect for additional signs of rodent activity.

At South Shore IPM, we take an integrated approach to rodent control, focusing on both prevention and elimination. If you suspect a rat infestation, we recommend the following steps:

• Inspect for Nests: Look for nests made of shredded paper, fabric, or insulation. Rats prefer dark, hidden spaces, so check attics, basements, and crawl spaces.
• Seal Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through holes as small as a dime. Sealing gaps and cracks in your home’s foundation, doors, and windows is crucial in preventing further infestations.
• Remove Food Sources: Rats are attracted to accessible food, so store pantry items in sealed containers and promptly clean up crumbs or spills.
• Set Traps or Bait Stations: Depending on the severity of the infestation, snap traps, electronic traps, or bait stations may be necessary. However, these methods should be used strategically to ensure effectiveness.

What If You Found A Baby Rat That Is A Pet?

Occasionally, baby rats found in unusual places are actually escaped pet rats. Domestic rats have a different temperament and appearance from wild rats, often having softer fur and more varied coat colors. If you suspect the baby rat is a lost pet, try posting in local lost-and-found pet groups or contacting a nearby animal shelter. If you’re unsure whether the rat is wild or domestic and want to ensure your home is safe, professional exterminators Boston can help assess the situation and recommend the appropriate steps.

When To Call South Shore IPM

If you’re dealing with baby rats in your home or yard, it’s best to act quickly. Even one baby rat could indicate the presence of a nest, which means there could be many more unseen rats nearby.

South Shore IPM specializes in comprehensive, humane, and environmentally responsible rodent control solutions. Our trained professionals can:

• Identify the source of the infestation.
• Safely and effectively remove rodents.
• Implement long-term prevention strategies.
• Provide expert guidance on keeping your home rodent-free.

Conclusion

Discovering a baby rat can be a surprising and concerning experience, but knowing how to handle the situation properly is key. If the baby rat appears to be orphaned, avoid direct contact and contact a wildlife rehabilitator if possible. If you suspect a rat infestation in your home, take preventive measures and reach out to Boston pest control experts like South Shore IPM for professional assistance.

For more information on our rodent control services, contact South Shore IPM today. Let us help you keep your home safe, clean, and rodent-free!