Norway Rats
The brown or gray rats that you may have observed on the street or in the sewer, especially in urban areas, are most likely Norway Rats.
This species of rodents is usually found outside in fields, farmlands, in garbage, in woodpiles, and other structures; however, they will migrate anywhere humans live in search of food and water, during which time, they will enter a home or property by gnawing into the structure.
This species of rodents is usually found outside in fields, farmlands, in garbage, in woodpiles, and other structures; however, they will migrate anywhere humans live in search of food and water, during which time, they will enter a home or property by gnawing into the structure.
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What Are Norway Rats?
Norway rats have 7 to 9-inch long bodies that are capable of fitting through a hole the size of a quarter with a prickly brown coat scattered with black hairs throughout, light gray to off-white bellies, and tails shorter than the length of their body.
They also have small eyes and ears with keen hearing, as well as keen taste, touch, and smell; however, they are color blind. These rodents are native to Asia; however, today, they are found throughout the world, where they are most popular in the U.S. and other parts of North America, as well as England. |
These rodents are most commonly known to invade properties during the fall when resources are scarce. Once inside the property, they can usually be found nesting on the ground floor and lower floors of buildings beneath undisturbed materials and piles of debris. However, they can also occasionally be found nesting in high areas of the property, such as the attic or roof.
Since they are nocturnal animals, they typically wander in search of food between dusk and dawn, where their preferred diet usually includes meat, fish, cereal, and dog food, but they will eat almost anything. They will usually carry any food they find back to a safe place to feed or to stockpile, which they will then feed off of several times throughout the day.
They are also creatures of habit, which means once they find a food they like, they will continue to come back. On the other hand, if they eat a food that doesn't sit well with them, they will avoid it and instead search for something else to eat.
They also tend to follow the same path to food sources, which is usually via a vertical route that they feel out using their whiskers. This path is usually no more than 25 to 150 feet away from their nest. They are also good climbers, even capable of climbing poles, good swimmers, and they can also jump.
Because they are social creatures, they are known to build their nests in close proximity to each other, so there is usually more than one nest nearby.
Since they are nocturnal animals, they typically wander in search of food between dusk and dawn, where their preferred diet usually includes meat, fish, cereal, and dog food, but they will eat almost anything. They will usually carry any food they find back to a safe place to feed or to stockpile, which they will then feed off of several times throughout the day.
They are also creatures of habit, which means once they find a food they like, they will continue to come back. On the other hand, if they eat a food that doesn't sit well with them, they will avoid it and instead search for something else to eat.
They also tend to follow the same path to food sources, which is usually via a vertical route that they feel out using their whiskers. This path is usually no more than 25 to 150 feet away from their nest. They are also good climbers, even capable of climbing poles, good swimmers, and they can also jump.
Because they are social creatures, they are known to build their nests in close proximity to each other, so there is usually more than one nest nearby.
What Risks Do Norway Rats Pose?
Norway rats are capable of gnawing through just about anything, including lead and plastic pipes, which can cause major structural damage.
They are also known to carry fleas and disease, such as jaundice, salmonella, and cowpox virus, which can be transferred to food and other surfaces; therefore, they also pose a serious health risk to residents.
They are also known to carry fleas and disease, such as jaundice, salmonella, and cowpox virus, which can be transferred to food and other surfaces; therefore, they also pose a serious health risk to residents.
Dealing With a Norway Rat Problem
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Female Norway rats are known to produce up to five litters each year. They can even give birth to a new litter while still nursing another. Therefore, if you spot a Norway rat or signs of Norway rats, including gnaw holes around the property, gnaw holes in food products, capsule-shaped droppings, or rub marks around gaps in the structure, it is important to act fast to prevent an infestation.
The most cautious and effective way to eliminate Norway rats is to contact a professional who can inspect the property and then develop a customized plan to treat your specific issue. The technician may also recommend a follow-up treatment in addition to ongoing treatments, such as at the start of each fall, to help keep Norway rats at bay because once a large number of rodents have been eliminated, they will work swiftly to replenish the population, which can quickly lead to re-infestation. |
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