Rat Burrows
Recognizing burrows and what not to do.
Resources
How to Identify Rats
Burrows, droppings, gnaw and rub marks are the clearest evidence of rats in NYC.
Short answerRats leave burrows, droppings, gnaw marks and greasy rub marks along walls and paths. Norway rats are the type most people mean in NYC. Look at ground level, at building edges and near garbage.
Evidence to Look For
- Burrows in soil, tree beds and cracks in concrete.
- Droppings that are larger and blunter than mouse droppings.
- Gnaw marks on wood, garbage cans and door edges.
- Rub marks, which are greasy smears along walls and pipes.
- Sounds and odors in walls, ceilings and enclosed areas.
Where to Check First
Building edges, basements and cellars, trash areas, backyards and tree beds. The Health Department describes rat activity as tied to food, water and shelter.
What to Do Next
Photograph what you find with date and place, and report it. See the 311 guide and rat control.
Not sure what you are dealing with? An inspection finds the source and sets the scope.
Questions and Answers
What are signs of rats in a basement?
Look for droppings along walls and near stored food, gnaw marks on wood, boxes and wiring, greasy rub marks along baseboards and pipes, shredded nesting material, and burrows or holes near the foundation. Scratching at night and a musty ammonia smell are other clues. Fresh droppings look moist and dark, old ones look dry and crumbly.
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.
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.
Rat vs. Mouse
How to tell them apart.