Do Rats Bite Humans in Their Sleep?

Rats are common in urban areas with efficient sewer systems, gnawing through materials like wood, aluminum, and concrete with their sharp teeth. While wild rats typically avoid humans, they may bite when threatened, cornered, or seeking food—sometimes even during sleep. Vulnerable areas include exposed body parts like the face, hands, or toes, with children and infants at higher risk.

Rat bites are often minor, treatable with basic first aid, but ~10% can transmit serious diseases like rat-bite fever (RBF) or leptospirosis. A Verywell Health report estimates 20,000-40,000 rat bites occur annually in the U.S., often underreported, so prompt action is critical to avoid complications.

This guide covers the risks, symptoms, first-aid steps, and prevention strategies to keep your home safe. 

Do Rats Really Bite Humans While Sleeping?

Rats are naturally skittish and prefer to flee from humans. However, when cornered or hungry, wild rats—especially black rats—can become aggressive. Black rats can leap up to 70cm, climbing walls to reach sleeping individuals. Bites often occur at night on exposed areas when rats search for food in infested homes.

Unlike pet rats, wild rats don’t adapt to human presence and may attack if they feel threatened. Curious about other rat-related risks? Check our blog: “Do Rats Carry Rabies?”.

Dangers & Symptoms of Rat Bites

Rat bites cause immediate pain, redness, and swelling, but the real danger lies in potential infections. Below are key health risks, backed by recent data:

Key Health Risks

• Streptobacillary Rat-Bite Fever (RBF): Caused by Streptobacillus moniliformis, symptoms include fever, muscle aches, joint pain, headaches, vomiting, and rash, appearing 3–10 days post-bite. Untreated, it has a 10% mortality rate.

• Spirillary Rat-Bite Fever: Symptoms include recurrent fever, swelling, ulcers at the bite site, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, emerging 1–3 weeks after the bite.

• Leptospirosis: A bacterial infection from rat urine exposure, causing flu-like symptoms or severe organ damage if untreated.

• Rabies: Extremely rare in rats; no evidence supports transmission via bites in North America.

Seek medical attention immediately after a bite, especially if symptoms like fever or rash develop.

First-Aid for Rat Bites

Act quickly to reduce infection risk:

1. Clean the Wound: Wash thoroughly with soap and warm water for 5+ minutes.

2. Apply Antiseptic: Use hydrogen peroxide or antibiotic ointment.

3. Bandage: Cover loosely with a clean bandage.

4. Monitor: Watch for infection signs (redness, swelling, pus).

5. Seek Medical Care: Consult a doctor, especially if not tetanus-vaccinated in the past 5 years or if fever/rash appears.

Risk Conditions for Rat Bites

Certain factors increase bite likelihood:

• Demographics: Children under 5, elderly, and low-income urban residents are most vulnerable.

• Environment: Poor sanitation, overcrowded areas, or homes with unsealed cracks.

• Behavior: Handling wild rats, sleeping in infested areas, or owning pet rats without hygiene precautions.

• Health: Immunocompromised individuals face higher infection risks.

Preventing Rat Bites

Preventing rat bites starts with eliminating infestations. On Demand Pest Control offers free inspections to identify entry points in attics, crawlspaces, and walls. Follow these steps:

• Avoid Contact: Never feed or handle wild rats.

• Secure Trash: Use tightly sealed bins to deter rats from garbage.

• Store Food Safely: Keep food in airtight containers.

• Seal Entry Points: Check for holes or cracks; rats can enter through dime-sized gaps.

Nighttime Prevention Tips

Rats are nocturnal, increasing bite risks during sleep. Protect yourself:

• Seal cracks and vents near sleeping areas.

• Keep bedrooms clutter-free and food off floors.

• Use mosquito nets or screens in high-risk areas.

• Store trash securely and avoid leaving food out overnight.

• Schedule professional inspections to catch hidden infestations early.

These steps can reduce bite risks by up to 90% in rodent-prone homes. Contact On Demand Pest Control for expert rat removal.