Norway Rats

What do Norway rats look like?

Norway rats are large rodents that typically grow between 7 and 9 inches long, not including their tails, which can be around 6 to 8 inches. Their fur is usually brown or grayish, with lighter bellies, although their coloring can vary slightly. The rats' tails are scaly and shorter than their bodies, unlike other rodents like roof rats, whose tails are longer and thinner. Norway rats have blunt, stocky faces and small ears relative to their heads. One of their most noticeable features is their sharp, yellow teeth, which they use to gnaw through wood, plastic, and wires

Are Norway rats dangerous?

Yes, Norway rats can be harmful in a few ways:

• Health Risks: They can carry diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus, and their urine and droppings can contaminate food or surfaces.
• Damage: Their gnawing habits can cause significant damage to wires, insulation, and even structural components of your home.
• Parasites: Norway rats can carry fleas, ticks, and mites, which can lead to further infestations of other pests and potential health issues.

Why are Norway rats so interested in my home?

Norway rats move indoors primarily for food, water, and shelter. They seek warm places like basements or attics to nest and access food scraps, especially as the weather turns colder. They’re also drawn to easily accessible food sources like pet food, garbage, and even food left out in the kitchen.

How do Norway rats enter homes and structures?

Norway rats aren’t known for climbing but are excellent at squeezing through small openings. These rats typically enter your home through low-level entry points. They may find their way in through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows, or loose vent covers. Additionally, they can slip in through holes or gaps along the lower parts of the walls and through gaps around plumbing pipes and utility wires that lead inside the home.

How can I tell if I have Norway rats in my home?

Look for these signs:

• Droppings: Norway rat droppings are about ½ inch long, dark brown or black, and pointed at both ends.
• Gnaw marks: Norway rats love to chew on anything they can get their teeth into. If you notice gnaw marks on walls, food packaging, or electrical wires, this is a sign of an infestation.
• Nests: These rats will create nests from shredded paper, fabric, and other soft materials. They usually build their nests in hidden areas like basements, crawl spaces, wall voids, and storage areas.
• Noises: If you hear rustling, scratching, or scampering in the walls, it could be Norway rats moving around at night.
• Rub marks: Muddy or greasy marks along the floorboards or in dusty areas are good signs of a rodent presence.

How do I get rid of Norway rats?

If you suspect a rat problem in your home, skip the DIY rodent control and contact Four Seasons Pest Control immediately. Our highly trained and fully licensed pest control specialists are ready to inspect and treat using the best tools and techniques available. We also offer residential plans targeting rodents and insects for ongoing protection! 

What can I do to prevent Norway rats from infesting?

The key to preventing a Norway rat problem is making your home and property unappealing to these pests. We recommend the following prevention tips: 

• Keep your home clean and decluttered.
• Trim tree branches, shrubs, and other landscape elements back so they don’t touch the house.
• Keep your lawn mowed and thin out dense vegetation.
• Move firewood piles several feet away from the house and up off the ground.
• Repair leaky spigots and other plumbing problems.
• Seal potential entry points.
• Install door sweeps and/or weatherstripping on garage and other entry doors.
• Clean gutters routinely to prevent water build-up.