Why Do Rats Eat People’s Skin When They Are Sleeping?

Rev Fr. Prince Chidi Philip

Something strange has been happening in the family of a Facebook friend of mine. According to him, rats have been eating their legs while they sleep. It started with his elder brother, then it happened to him. Last night a rat ate part of his leg, and tonight it even ate his toe. With his permission, I am sharing this story here to hear different opinions about what might be causing this and how it can be stopped.

This is not the first time I have heard such a story. When I was in the minor seminary at Mercy Seminary in Bende, Abia State, something similar was almost a normal reality. Many of us would wake up in the morning to discover that rats had eaten parts of our legs or toes, sometimes even causing bleeding. During my six years there, a rat ate my leg once and my finger about two times.

I still remember the first time it happened to me. I had eaten abacha before going to bed, and I suspect I didn’t wash my hands very well. Perhaps the smell of the food attracted the rats, and they simply came to “finish the meal” on my fingers.

Personally, I do not believe that rats eating human flesh is an act of witchcraft. In my opinion, there is usually a natural explanation. Something may attract them, food particles, sweat, body salt, wounds, or even poor hygiene before sleeping. Rats are opportunistic animals, and if they smell something edible, they may nibble on it.

However, in many African communities, some people strongly believe that such incidents are spiritual or related to witchcraft. Others argue that it may be a sign of serious poverty and poor housing conditions where rats and humans are forced to share the same living space. 

Also, could certain medical conditions, such as deep sleep, nerve problems, or diabetes that reduces sensation, make someone unaware when a rat is biting them?

So I am curious to hear public opinion.

Why do you think rats sometimes eat people’s fingers or toes while they sleep?

Is it purely environmental, medical, or could there be something more mysterious behind it?

And most importantly, what practical solutions would you suggest to stop it?