Everything You Need To Know About The Norway Rat
The Norway rat is a rodent species that can reach lengths of up to 9 inches, with almost half of that length being due to its tail. Its shaggy fur can be gray or brown in coloration, and the rat also has scaly tails and ears. Norway rats can be found across the US, being one of the most common rodent species found in home infestations. In this article, we’re going to cover all of the information you need to know about this pest.
How does a Norway rat infestation start?
Norway rats will either find an entryway into the home, or they will try to gnaw one through the exterior of the building, or burrow through weak structural points. They often find success in older buildings, or in buildings with poor maintenance. Norway rats are attracted to yards that have gardens, thick shrubs and uncut grass. From these areas, they will look to the home and try to find any gaps under your doors, holes where the plumbing and utility lines enter the home, ill-fitted crawlspace doors, and foundation vents in order to gain entry.
How much of a danger do these rats pose?
Norway rats pose a significant threat to the residents of the home they infest and the home itself. They are carriers of numerous diseases that can be transmitted to humans both through the matter that they come into contact with, and through their feces and urine. They will also damage the home by chewing through wiring, or burrowing into the foundation.
Signs of an infestation
There are several signs that indicate an infestation. First, you have rat droppings, which are round capsules of about 0.7 inches in length. You will find these droppings on the pathways that the rats use to travel around the home. You will also notice gnaw marks on food, food containers, walls, and other objects. Another sign is the grease stains that they leave behind on the walls or floors they rub against. The darker the stain, the more rat activity you have in the area. Finally, you might actually see a rat in your home. This is a sign that you have a large infestation.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s very important that you call a pest control specialist right away, because Norway rats reproduce very quickly. Contact us today and we can set up an appointment right away.