What Do Norway Rats Look Like?
Adult Norway rats are brown in color with some scattered black hairs, they have a grayish-white underbelly; their body is long and heavily built. Adults can grow to between 10-12 inches in length, this includes their tail. The tail on the Norway rat is shorter than their body; both the tail and ears are hairless and covered in scales.
How Can I Tell The Difference Between Norway Rats And Roof Rats?
Norway rats and roof rats can be differentiated by both physical behavioral characteristics. Norway rats are not skilled climbers and therefore will be found inhabiting mostly basement areas and the first floors of buildings. Roof rats can climb very well and will be found in attics and in the upper floors of homes and other buildings.
Norway rats have an overall “heavier” build than roof rats. The tail of the roof rat is longer than its body unlike the Norway rat whose tail is shorter than its body; also the roof rat has darker black fur compared to the Norway rat's brown fur.
Where Do Norway Rats Nest?
In nature, Norway rats can be founding living in underground burrows that are close to water sources. Their burrows can be found along building foundations, beneath piles of garbage and woodpiles, around gardens, riverbanks, and in fields. If a Norway rat decides to nest inside of a home or other building they will be found in basement areas, behind walls, or in crawl spaces.
Why Do I Have A Norway Rat Problem?
Also known as the brown rat, house rat, wharf rat, or sewer rat, this rodent is has a tendency to burrow in the soil along railroad embankments, riverbanks, garbage piles, and under concrete. They are explorers and may enter homes and commercial facilities in search of food or shelter. Openings are larger than 1/2 an inch act as entry points for Norway rats.
What Kind Of Threat Do Norway Rats Pose?
Norway rats gnaw objects, eat stored food and transmit disease by droppings and urine, bites and the fleas and mites in their fur.
How Can I Tell If I Have A Rat Problem?
Rats are nocturnal and you generally will not see them in your home unless you have a very large infestation. If rats are in your home you will find large gnaw marks on food, utility lines and pipes, dry wall, furniture, and other objects. You will also see grease stains on walls and other objects as the rats move along them while traveling through your house. You may also hear them moving behind your walls, and you will find their droppings which will be approximately 18-20cm in size and blunt at both ends.
