Norway Rats

From the tip of the nose to the end of the tail, Norway rats measure between 13 and 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) in length, with the tail alone accounting for about 7 inches (19 cm) of that total. They are large and robust compared to other species of rats. Norway rat fur is coarse and usually appears brown, though some variation in color exists. They may have scattered black markings on their backs, and the undersides of their bodies typically look gray to yellowish-white.

Native to Asia, Norway rats spread throughout Europe in the mid-1500s and were then brought to North America via ships in the 1770s. Presently, Norway rats can be found in every corner of the world except for Antarctica. Relying heavily on human activity for food and shelter, the pests tend to hold a cosmopolitan distribution.

Preferred nesting sites of the Norway rat include cellars, warehouses, grocery stores, slaughterhouses, docks, sewers, barns, silos, beneath concrete slabs, around ponds, and in garbage dumps. Exceptional climbers, jumpers, and swimmers, Norway rats will nest virtually anywhere with nearby sources of food and water.

Are Norway rats known to enter homes or yards?
Norway rats are omnivores and feast on human foods like cereal, grains, meats, fish, nuts, and fruits. As such, they are known to create nests inside and around homes. Their small size enables them to sneak into homes and sheds through cracks in the foundation and broken window screens. They sometimes gain access to homes through sewer systems or drainage pipes, as well. Furthermore, Norway rats can climb and jump with ease and may enter homes through chimneys.

Do Norway rats harm people or property?
As Norway rats frequently live in sewers, garbage dumps, and other notoriously unclean sites, they threaten the health of any human who comes into contact with them. They are known carriers of serious diseases that afflict both people and livestock, such as bubonic plague, typhus, leptospirosis, food poisoning, ratbite fever, and infectious jaundice. Additionally, Norway rats are vectors for other pests like lice and fleas.

Since they consume many foodstuffs that humans also eat, Norway rats will pilfer stores of food when they infest homes. In addition to being a costly waste of food, this activity often facilitates the spread of disease. Norway rats can also inflict serious structural damage upon buildings. They will nest under concrete slabs and destroy the foundation of homes. Norway rats gnaw on doors, wall materials, insulation, and even electrical wiring, which can lead to fires.

Preventative measures can be enacted to limit the possibility of Norway rat infestation. Taking the time to regularly clean and sanitize can make the home environment an unfavorable place to nest. This includes wiping spills and sweeping up crumbs as soon as the messes are made and removing clutter in attics and basements. Additionally, storing food in sealed, rat-proof containers helps reduce the chance of infestation.

Checking the outside of homes for possible points of entry and then sealing any that are found is another way to prevent Norway rats from infesting. Trimming trees and bushes that hang over or sit too close to homes as well as tightly sealing outdoor trash bins also limits the possibility of rats nesting in yards.

Many rat traps and baits are available to the general public. However, the effectiveness of store-bought removal methods is spotty at best. Calling Critter Control professionals, who specialize in the Norway rat removal, ensures the problem will be eradicated. Our wildlife removal specialists have the knowledge to locate and identify Norway rat infestations and the tools required to safely and efficiently take care of the problem.