Rat Identification
Evidence and where to look.
Resources
Rat Burrows: How to Recognize Them
Burrows are one of the most direct signs of rats outside a building.
Short answerRat burrows are holes in soil or cracks in concrete and foundations, often beside fences, garbage areas, tree beds and building edges. They have smooth worn edges and little debris, and rats reuse the same paths.
Where They Appear
Along foundations and fences, beside garbage storage, under sheds and decks, in tree beds and in cracks in concrete. Multiple holes close together suggest a colony.
What Not to Do
Covering a burrow entrance with wood, cinder blocks or rocks will not keep rats out, according to the Health Department. It also can send them elsewhere on the property.
What Helps
Report the burrows, reduce food and shelter nearby, and get help closing them properly. See rat control.
Not sure what you are dealing with? An inspection finds the source and sets the scope.
Questions and Answers
How do I recognize a rat burrow?
Rat burrows are holes in soil or in cracks in concrete and foundations, often near garbage, fences, tree beds and building edges, with smooth worn edges and little debris. Rats reuse the same paths, so worn runways are another clue. Covering a burrow entrance with wood, cinder blocks or rocks will not keep rats out, according to the Health Department.
What attracts rats to a building?
Food, water, shelter and safe ways to move around. In practice that means garbage that is not in sealed containers, clutter and stored materials against walls, overgrown planting, and cracks or holes in foundations, sidewalks and doors. Removing those conditions makes a property less attractive, but rats already present still need to be dealt with.
Last reviewed 2026-09-21. Time sensitive NYC rules and processes change, so check the linked official pages before you act.
Related pages
Rat Control
Burrows, droppings, garbage and ground line problems.