Large and aggressive, Norway rats are among the most feared of pests. They may be called sewer rats or street rats, but they always are a serious threat to property and human health.
Moreover, keeping them at bay is no easy task. Norway rats are gifted with superior senses of hearing, taste and smell to help them navigate the world, find food and avoid predators like humans. Additionally, their physical prowess is impressive. They can run, jump, climb and swim so that almost any structure is accessible to them.
Plus, their strong, constantly growing teeth give them an imperative to gnaw on everything they encounter, causing massive damage to property.
This resilient and persistent species can only be successfully controlled by a professional exterminator. With a combination of treatments and general cleanup around the property, it is possible to end Norway rat infestations.
WHAT DO NORWAY RATS LOOK LIKE?
Norway rats have long, heavy bodies and blunt muzzles. Typically, they are in the range of seven to nine-and-a-half inches long. The back of the rodent features coarse brown fur that is liberally sprinkled with black hairs. On their belly, the fur is lighter, usually either gray or off-white.
A scaly tail that is slightly shorter than the combined head and body length of the Norway rat is one of the species' most distinguishing characteristics. They also may be identified by their relatively small ears and eyes. WHAT DO NORWAY RATS EAT?
Categorized as omnivorous, it is easy to see how Norway rats have flourished so easily around the world. They are known to eat small fish and rodents. Although they will catch and eat these animals, they also may eat from carcasses. In the wild, the species also tends to eat grains, fruits, vegetables and nuts.
Their unfussy eating habits make kitchens a smorgasbord. Here, they will be able to obtain familiar foods like meat, fruits and vegetables as well as rice, pasta, bread, peanut butter, cheese and baked goods. Pet food also is targeted by the species.
WHERE DO NORWAY RATS LIVE?
Because they are largely nocturnal, members of the species require a dark, secure hiding place for the daylight hours. It is not unusual for Norway rats to live in colonies, making it likely that one rat is accompanied by several others.
Farmland, meadows and fields provide ideal habit in the wild. In these areas, they dig underground burrows. One of the most likely places to find a burrow is along a riverbank. These have an entrance and an escape hole, which typically is concealed by grass or other debris.
When Norway rats come into suburban and urban locales, they may nest in a woodpile, a garbage dump or beneath a concrete slab. Basements are likely places to discover a nest, but any room that has a sizable amount of undisturbed clutter may host a colony. Most Norway rat nests are found on the lower levels of manmade structures. However, this species can climb, so nests also may be found in attics.
DAMAGE CAUSED BY NORWAY RATS
Because they live in colonies and have sharp teeth, Norway rats are responsible for considerable damage. They only need a hole that is approximately the size of a quarter to gain access to a building. If the hole is not large enough, they will gnaw at it to make a suitable access point.
Norway rats continue chewing as they reach the interior. Siding, wooden framing, sheetrock and plastic are just a few examples of the materials that may be damaged by the rodent's teeth. Plumbing pipes may sustain damage, and electrical wiring and power cords may be severed.
Additionally, Norway rats may damage upholstered furniture, clothing, towels, sheets, books, documents and almost anything else that they encounter.
ARE NORWAY RATS AGGRESSIVE?
Norway rats have a well-deserved reputation for being ferocious. This is despite the fact that they are a nocturnal species that generally prefers to avoid confrontations with people.
It requires very little threat to elicit an aggressive response that may include bites and scratches. These wounds can be quite serious, and it is wise to have them examined by a doctor.
DO NORWAY RATS CARRY DISEASE?
This species is responsible for spreading numerous diseases, and this is perhaps the primary reason that people call exterminators to control these pests.
Norway rats are perhaps best known for their role in spreading the plague. This disease is rare in the modern age, but is not considered dormant. Accordingly, rats that are infested with fleas that carry the plague may be able to spread it to unsuspecting people.
A more common modern illness that is associated with Norway rats is Lyme disease. This illness is carried by a species of tick that commonly infests Norway rats. Therefore, if Norway rats are in the home, it follows that Lyme disease-infested ticks probably are in the house as well.
Additionally, Norway rats may spread a bacterial disease called leptospirosis to the water supply. This illness may spread to people who touch or ingest the infected water.
Norway rats also are closely connected to cases of food poisoning. They spread salmonellosis in the kitchen and pantry. When people prepare food on an infected surface or eat infected food, they can become seriously ill with symptoms like nausea, diarrhea and vomiting.
HOW TO DETECT NORWAY RATS Signs of a Norway rat presence include:
• Seeing rodents in or around the home • Discovering nesting material in basements, garages or sheds • Hearing squeaking and scurrying sounds from behind walls • Seeing grease marks on walls • Discovering gnaw marks on building interiors and exteriors
HOW TO PREVENT NORWAY RATS
How to help protect against Norway rats the following steps should be taken:
• Eliminate clutter both indoors and out • Do not allow vegetation to touch building exteriors • Cover or seal any holes in the home's exterior • Keep garbage cans clean • Ensure that garbage can lids are tight • Place woodpiles and yard debris piles at least 20 feet away from structures • Store food in glass or metal containers with lids • Immediately wipe up spills and crumbs • Do not leave dirty dishes in the sink • Routinely clean floors in rooms where food is regularly consumed
HOW TO TREAT FOR RODENTS
Successful rodent control typically involves a series of steps, including trapping, poison baits, along with proper species identification.
Those who suspect a rodent problem should contact Newtown Termite & Pest Control. Our experienced pest control professionals know how to inspect a structure to determine the type and scope of the infestation involved. They will then execute the appropriate plan of action to resolve the specific rodent issue plaguing your home or business while identifying entry points to help protect against future problems.
