Norway rats are not native to Bucks County, but they have made themselves at home. In fact, they have been in the region since the 18th century when they were carried here on ships from Europe.
The species had no trouble establishing itself, and ships continued to bring even more rats from other countries, ensuring that the population numbers remained high. Ships are not as likely to carry Norway rats and other pests today, but the damage is already done. It seems like an impossible task to get rid of Norway rats these days.
When Norway rats live in residences, offices and other commercial buildings, it is a sign of danger. These rodents carry dozens of diseases, and these can be spread in numerous ways. Additionally, these pests use their claws and teeth to cause astonishing amounts of damage to structures and the items that are stored within buildings.
Norway rats are a serious threat to health and safety. Still, some people hesitate to act even when the signs of an infestation become impossible to ignore. Property owners may hope that Norway rats will leave as mysteriously as they arrived, but this is improbable at best. Once these rodents have established themselves in a building, they will not leave unless they are forcibly evicted.
The only certain way to put a stop to relentless Norway rat activity is to hire an exterminator. These licensed professionals have access to specialized products that can destroy the pests. Moreover, they focus their efforts on preventing Norway rats and other creatures from getting back inside the building.
This mainly involves finding and eliminating the small holes and cracks that the animals have been using to get inside. These openings are not always obvious, so it frequently is necessary to have a trained professional locate them.
These are just two of the services that pest control technicians perform to keep people safe from Norway rats. For thorough clean up and ongoing protection, it is always wise to rely on professionals.
WHAT DO NORWAY RATS LOOK LIKE?
With a six- to eight-inch tail and a body that can be as long as nine inches, an adult Norway rat can be a fearsome sight. Weights of between seven and 20 ounces are common for these bulky animals.
Not as sleek or as smooth as roof rats, Norway rats are covered in rough, shaggy fur that may be gray or brown with some scattered black hairs. The fur on the stomach typically is lighter in color, and the ears and eyes may seem undersized.
WHAT DO NORWAY RATS EAT?
One of the reasons why Norway rats have been able to establish populations on virtually every continent is that they are not picky eaters. In fact, biologists classify these animals as omnivorous, which means that they can eat just about anything. Cereal grains, fruit, nuts, meat and fish are among their favorites. Norway rats also require a steady supply of water. Accordingly, they may be drawn to properties on which there are water leaks.
People frequently find Norway rats infesting garbage cans that do not have lids or that have ill-fitting lids. These are perfect places to find food. Of course, being indoors, with immediate access to kitchens and pantries, is desirable as well. Absolutely any food that may be intended for consumption by people or pets is appropriate for the Norway rat. They will eat peanut butter, vegetables, bread and other baked goods, fish, meat and other foods that are carelessly stored. Pet food, especially that which is intended for dogs and cats, also is vulnerable.
WHERE DO NORWAY RATS LIVE?
People who dislike rats will not be surprised to learn that the sewer is a common nesting site for these animals. The dark, secluded location offers plenty of protection from predators. Of course, these conditions can be found in many other areas. Norway rats actually seem to prefer to live in close proximity to people as it can better ensure their survival.
To that end, it is relatively common to find Norway rats nesting in crawlspaces and basements. The animals may simply dig a burrow alongside the foundation of a building, and some members of the species may nest in a woodpile or a pile of yard debris.
Occasionally, Norway rats will establish a nest in a sanitary sewer system. This enables them to enter buildings through the toilet, and the animals frequently eat human waste products.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY NORWAY RATS
Some of the largest and most heavily used infrastructure in Bucks County actually can be undermined by the gnawing of Norway rats. Levees and canals can be damaged by these rodents as can streets and railroads, both of which may be subject to settling after the rats tunnel beneath them.
Buildings may similarly become unsound. Norway rats may inhabit the lower reaches of a building for years, gnawing through wood, masonry and other construction material until it becomes difficult for these items to support the building.
It is critical to keep in mind that Norway rats have teeth and claws that never stop growing. Throughout their lifetime, they must continue to gnaw and shred everything that they encounter. This means that items both large and small may sustain damage. Norway rats will shred insulation, textiles, clothing and paper, carrying these materials back to their nests as lining.
Upholstered furniture and mattresses will receive similar treatment. Books and documents may be damaged beyond repair as will clothing and children's toys. Any food in which it is obvious the rodents have been feeding must be thrown away.
ARE NORWAY RATS AGGRESSIVE?
These rodents can be quite large, and they will attack people using claws and teeth. Such encounters typically happen at unexpected moments. People who search for something in a rarely disturbed storage room or basement may receive a fright when a Norway rat rears up at them. A cornered rodent will respond with bites and scratches.
DO NORWAY RATS CARRY DISEASE?
The risks for people to become ill in the vicinity of Norway rats are numerous. These animals commonly are hosts to parasitic pests that spread the plague and Lyme disease. Accordingly, people find themselves receiving a troubling diagnosis after spending time in a building where Norway rats are present.
Norway rats and other rodents also may contaminate the water supplies in buildings. People who drink or otherwise ingest this water may be diagnosed with leptospirosis. Additionally, some of these animals are infected with an ectoparasite that spreads murine typhus, yet another serious illness associated with infestations of Norway rats.
HOW TO DETECT NORWAY RATS
Signs of a Norway rat infestation include:
• Sounds of rustling or squeaking may be heard beneath floors or behind walls • Rodent waste products are found indoors • Walls show grease markings from rodent fur • Various surfaces show damage from teeth and claws
HOW TO PREVENT NORWAY RATS
To help prevent Norway rat issues the following steps should be taken:
• Rodent-proof the building's exterior by blocking entrances • Fix any leaks in plumbing and irrigation systems • Use garbage cans with tight lids • Regularly clean garbage cans • Eliminate woodpiles and yard debris piles or stack them 20 feet away from structures • Use food storage receptacles made of glass or metal • Clean kitchens, dining rooms and other places in which food is kept or eaten more frequently
