If you’ve ever scrolled through social media or read certain service ads, you’ve probably heard this: dog poop attracts rats. It’s catchy, a little gross, and according to science, not true.
Many pet waste companies repeat this claim to scare homeowners into scheduling cleanups. But when we look at real research, the story changes. Rats aren’t waiting for piles of poop, they’re searching for food, shelter, and water.
Researchers at the Journal of Urban Ecology studied what city rats really eat and found no evidence that rat populations rely on dog feces as a food source.
Universities that study urban pests say the same.
In short: dog poop isn’t on the rat menu.
Somewhere along the way, the message got twisted. It’s easy to assume that anything smelly might lure pests, but marketing turned that assumption into a headline.
Unfortunately, fear sells. Many service ads started repeating the claim without checking the research first. The truth is simpler: neglecting your yard can attract pests, but not because the poop itself is tasty, it’s because a messy yard offers shelter and other food sources.
Rats are opportunists. They survive by finding calories and cover wherever they can. The main things that draw them in are:
Even piles of leaves or old mulch can provide a nesting spot. Dog poop alone won’t cause a rat problem, but if waste piles up with food scraps or debris, it adds to the unsanitary environment that rats thrive in.
So, if rats aren’t after poop, why does cleaning up still matter? Because dog waste carries bacteria and parasites that affect both pets and people.
According to university research and public-health data, unscooped dog poop can spread E. coli, roundworms, and other pathogens that wash into storm drains and local waterways during rain. Clean yards mean safer play areas for kids and healthier soil for your lawn.
Keeping your property sanitary also discourages the insects and scavengers that do attract rats, like flies, maggots, and raccoons.
At Doggy Doods, we don’t rely on scare tactics, we rely on facts.
We keep St. Charles County yards clean for the reasons that really matter:
Better sanitation for pets and families
Less odor and fewer flies
A safer, healthier environment for everyone
Whether you live in O’Fallon, St. Peters, or Cottleville, regular service keeps your space fresh and free of buildup that can cause unwanted attention from pests.
Want to enjoy a cleaner, healthier yard without the hassle? Click below to get a free quote today.
Have you ever heard the “dog poop attracts rats” myth before? Tell us where you first saw it and whether you believed it. We love hearing how our readers separate fact from fiction!
Dog waste may seem harmless once it dries, but it can carry bacteria and parasites that threaten both pets and people. Learn what’s really hiding in your yard and why cleanup matters more than you think.
