Norway Rat

Category:

Actual Size: 16” long including the tail

Characteristics: Strong bodies that can be grayish-brown, reddish-brown, or black in color.

Habits: Often found in burrows near property lines, fences, or gardens. May also invade basements or crawl spaces.

  • Also called the brown or sewer rat. 
  • Has a short, hairy tail.
  • Builds underground burrows beneath basements and yards.

Norway Rats in Anaheim

Norway rats, known for their sturdy build and large size, are commensal rodents found all across the United States. They rely on human habitats for shelter and food, which is why they frequently build burrows beneath our homes or in our gardens. Norway rats are more aggressive than their cousin, the roof rat, but they are just as capable of spreading serious diseases such as jaundice and rat-bite fever. These rodents are also most active just before dawn or right after sunset. 

Norway Rat Habitat

Whether they’re in a distant field or they’re in your backyard, Norway rats usually build underground burrows that can reach up to 6.5 feet in length. They usually build the burrows near house foundations where they can easily access our homes for food. Norway rats will eat almost anything but prefer meat, fish, nuts, and cereal grains. Indoor nests are usually found in crawl spaces or basements, though large colonies may also spread to the upper levels of a house or building. 

Norway Rat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Like many other types of rodents, Norway rats are a significant problem for home and business owners. They can bite, spread harmful diseases, and cause costly property damage with their gnawing habits. While chewing through our walls, Norway rats may also expose electrical wires that can spark and cause interior walls to catch fire. Additionally, Norway rats will try to access our food, leading them to contaminate our pantries and cooking surfaces with pathogens that can lead to diseases like leptospirosis or salmonella. 

If you have Norway rats or any other type of rodent on your property, contact a licensed rodent control company as quickly as possible. They can help create a custom treatment plan that will eliminate the rats and protect your home or business from future infestations.