The answer to 'rat season' is that rats are a year-round pest, but their activity and population levels tend to peak during the fall and winter months. This is because rats seek out warmer shelter and food sources as the weather gets colder.
Rats are highly adaptable and can thrive in a variety of environments, from urban areas to rural farmland. They breed rapidly, with female rats capable of producing up to 12 litters per year with 5-10 pups per litter. This rapid breeding cycle means rat populations can explode quickly if left unchecked.