Ratways

Ratways are a term used to describe underground tunnels or pathways primarily utilized by rodents, particularly rats, for transit and shelter. These networks are often found in urban environments, beneath streets, buildings, and other infrastructure. They can be natural or man-made, with natural ratways forming in soil or rock crevices, while man-made ones are typically found in sewer systems, abandoned utility conduits, or spaces within building foundations.

The existence of ratways is a consequence of rats' natural behaviors, including their need for safe routes to travel, escape predators, and access food and water sources. These tunnels provide a protected environment from surface-level dangers and allow for efficient movement across considerable distances. The construction and maintenance of these pathways are entirely driven by the rat population's activity.

While essential for rat survival and population spread, ratways can pose challenges for humans. They can contribute to the transmission of diseases, damage underground infrastructure, and make pest control more difficult. Identifying and managing these underground networks is a significant aspect of urban pest management strategies, often involving the sealing of entry points and the implementation of sanitation measures to reduce the attractiveness of these areas to rodents. The term "ratway" is not a formal scientific classification but rather a descriptive term used in urban ecology and pest control.