Norway rats are large rats, also known as sewer rats or street rats, that have long, heavy bodies that grow seven to nine inches long. Their bare tails add several inches to their overall length but are usually shorter than their bodies.
Norway rats have brown fur with black hairs scattered throughout and lighter-colored underbellies. They have small eyes, ears, and a blunt nose.
Norway rats have heavier bodies than roof rats, which tend to be long and thin. They are usually lighter in color and have shorter tails. Another difference between the two species is where they nest. Norway rats prefer ground-level nesting sites, while roof rats prefer to nest at higher elevations.
Norway rats prefer to eat meat and cereals. However, they will eat almost anything they can find, depending on where they live.
Norway rats make their way into homes and buildings through openings that they find. Although an open garage door allows for an easy entrance, they don’t need a large space in order to get inside. In fact, an opening the size of a quarter is all they need to access your home.
Norway rats prefer to nest at ground level. When outdoors, they’ll often nest in fields, by rivers, in wood piles, or in garbage. Once they get inside, they often nest in basements. However, they’ll also nest on the lower levels of homes. Occasionally, they’ll nest in upper levels and attics. Norway rats will also nest in sewers.
When Norway rats get into your house, they leave quite a few signs of their presence. These signs include:
Unfortunately, Norway rats are dangerous pests to have in your house. They spread a variety of illnesses to both humans and pets. Salmonellosis, rat bite fever, jaundice, and trichinosis can all be spread by Norway rats. Many diseases are spread through their contaminated droppings, so you don’t have to come into direct contact with a Norway rat to become ill.
In addition to being bad for your health, Norway rats are bad for your house. As rodents, they constantly chew to keep their incisors at a manageable length. That means that when they get into your house, they will damage whatever they can sink their teeth into. Personal belongings, electrical wiring, pipes, ductwork, and much more are all at risk of damage when Norway rats are present.
Norway rats are nocturnal pests that are most active at dusk and dawn. When they find food, they bring it with them to eat in quiet areas throughout the day and night.
A female Norway rat can start reproducing around three months of age. Each litter can have anywhere from five to twelve babies and each female can have up to six litters a year. Because they are social creatures, Norway rats tend to build their burrows close to each other, so if you see one Norway rat in your house, you likely have far more than that hidden away.
To get rid of a Norway rat infestation, you need to contact a professional pest control company like The Pied Piper. Do-it-yourself rodent control rarely works to thoroughly eliminate an infestation, which only leads to a prolonged issue that can cause more damage to your house and put your family at risk of illness for a longer period of time.
The Pied Piper’s pest control technicians understand Norway rat behavior and have the training, experience, and tools that are necessary to completely eliminate your Norway rat problem.
Preventing a Norway rat problem is far better than having to eliminate one that’s already present. The following prevention tips will help you keep Norway rats out of your home:
Brad was excellent very professional and efficient! He went to the root of the problem and addressed it appropriately as needed. The service ladies you call for scheduling are also very polite and friendly . All around 10 on 10 ! Their products actually work too unlike others we’ve used in the past.
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Eufaula, OK
It's been three days and the results are great. Not only effective service, the staff and service person were above professional standards. They were very nice and friendly and took care of the pests, they know their trade. Thank you and look forward to never seeing pests again. See you next trip.
Michael G.
Eufaula, OK
My husband and I have been using Pied Piper for a year or two. We have had really good results with their services! I highly recommend them! Friendly efficient service!
Erin C.
Eufaula, OK
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