Norway Rats

Physical Characteristics of Norway Rats

Norway rats, also known as brown or sewer rats, are one of the most adaptable creatures on the planet. They can be identified by their distinct physical characteristics:

• Size: Norway rats are large rodents that can range from 12 to 18 inches long, including their tail. Their size makes them easily distinguishable from other rat species.
• Weight: Adult Norway rats typically weigh between 7 to 18 ounces.
• Color: Their fur is coarse and usually brown or grayish-brown, though it can occasionally be black.
• Body Shape: They have a robust, heavy body with a blunt nose, small eyes, and small ears covered in short hairs. Their body shape is less sleek compared to other rat species.
• Tail: The tail of a Norway rat is shorter than the length of its head and body combined, and it’s hairless, scaly, and darker on top with a lighter underside.
• Teeth: Like all rodents, Norway rats have sharp, chisel-shaped front teeth that grow continuously. They show gnaw marks on objects they’ve been chewing on.

Understanding these physical characteristics can help in correctly identifying Norway rats and implementing appropriate pest control measures. If you suspect a Norway rat infestation, contact Willard’s Pest Control for professional assistance.

Signs of Norway Rats

Norway rats are notorious for being secretive and nocturnal, making their infestations hard to notice until they’ve significantly multiplied especially as nocturnal animals with most of their activities occurring one-half hour after sunset and one-half hour before sunrise. However, there are several signs that can indicate their presence:

• Droppings: One of the most obvious signs of a Norway rat infestation is their droppings. They are capsule-shaped and about 3/4 inch long.
• one-halftrong teeth that never stop growing. They gnaw on materials like wood, plastic, and even soft metals to keep their teeth in check. If you notice unusual gnaw marks around your property, it could be a sign of their presence.
• Tracks or Runways: Norway rats often use the same paths to travel between their nest and food sources, leaving behind trails in dust or dirt, or greasy rub marks along walls.
• Burrows: These rats are known for their burrowing habits. Look out for holes in the ground near buildings or piles of wood, which may indicate burrow entrances.
• Sounds: At night, you may hear scratching sounds in the walls or ceilings. This could be Norway rats moving around or gnawing.
• Pet Behavior: Pets often become agitated or act strangely when they sense the presence of rats.
• Sightings: Norway rats are primarily nocturnal, but if an infestation is large, you might see them during the day.

If you notice any of these signs, contact Willard’s Pest Control immediately. Our team of professionals is equipped to handle rat infestations swiftly and effectively.

How You Get Norway Rat Infestations

Norway rat infestations can occur due to a variety of reasons. Here are some common factors that can attract these pests to your property:

• Food Sources: Rats are attracted to areas with readily available food. This can include pet food, bird feeders, compost bins, garbage cans, or food debris left in your kitchen.
• Water Sources: Like all living organisms, rats need water to survive. Leaky pipes, pet water dishes, birdbaths, and even dew on plants can draw them in.
• Shelter: Norway rats look for warm, safe places to nest. Cluttered areas like garages, basements, attics, or yards with overgrown vegetation can provide ideal nesting spots.
• Entry Points: Rats can squeeze through small holes and cracks as small as half an inch. Unsealed gaps around doors, windows, vents, or utility lines can allow them entry into your home or business.
• Poor Sanitation: Areas with poor sanitation are attractive to rats as they provide ample food sources and hiding places.

Preventing a Norway rat infestation involves managing these factors. Regular cleaning, sealing potential entry points, and proper food storage can go a long way in keeping these pests at bay. If you suspect an infestation, contact Willard’s Pest Control immediately. Our team is equipped to handle rat problems efficiently and effectively.

Issues with Norway Rat Infestations

Norway rat infestations pose significant problems, not just to your property, but also to your health. Here are some of the issues associated with these pests:

• Property Damage: Norway rats have strong teeth that can gnaw through almost anything — wood, plastic, soft metals, and even concrete. This can lead to severe structural damage in homes and businesses.
• Food Contamination: Rats are known for their scavenging habits. They can contaminate food supplies with their droppings, urine, or fur, leading to waste and potential health risks.
• Electrical Damage: These rats often chew on electrical wires, which can result in power outages and pose a fire hazard.
• Disease Transmission: Norway rats are carriers of various diseases, including leptospirosis, salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, and hantavirus. They can transmit these diseases to humans either directly through bites or indirectly through ticks, mites, and fleas that have fed on an infected rat.
• Habitat Disruption: Norway rats can disrupt local ecosystems by preying on small mammals, birds, and their eggs.
• Psychological Distress: The presence of rats can cause significant stress and discomfort to people, affecting their quality of life.

At Willard’s Pest Control, we understand the severity of a Norway rat infestation. Our team is dedicated to providing effective solutions to keep your home or business safe and pest-free. If you suspect a rat problem, don’t hesitate to contact us.

About Willard’s Pest Control

Willard’s Pest Control Company was established in 1987 as a one-person family operation. Today, 32 years later, we are a growing family run exterminator company employing 30+ people for our pest control services. We specialize in all types of pest treatment services, including bed bugs, ants, cockroaches, and more.

We believe in providing safe, honest work to the Greater Puget Sound and Kittitas County communities and are actively involved in the Washington State Pest Management Association. Through this association, we work to promote professionalism and safety within the extermination industry.