Norway rats are a common rodent commonly found in and around homes. They are believed to be of Asian origin and thrive in almost any climate by finding residential homes to live in or around. Norway rats are large rodents that usually measure about eight inches in length. They have a long, scaly tail and very prominent front teeth, used for cutting through material such as wires.
Their bodies have a brownish coloration with black hairs and white underparts. They are colorblind, have poor eyesight, but their other senses are strong and able to compensate. Although they are large, they are good climbers. They make burrows in the soil and are found mainly near a water supply, farms, garbage piles, and riverbanks. As the weather changes and the food supply dwindles, they make their way into homes.
Problems That Norway Rats Cause In Your Home
Norway rats can enter your home through holes as small as a quarter. They prefer to nest on lower levels of the home, such as in the basement and first floor though they have also been known to nest in attics and roofs.
These rodents will eat almost anything, including garbage, pet food, and other household food sources, such as accessible leftovers. Norway rats can cause significant damage to homes and businesses alike because of their insatiable appetite and the number of things they can eat.
The Norway rat will gnaw on anything that gets in its way. Structural damage occurs when they chew through walls to gain access to the inner space of the home. Apart from being destructive, they are also carriers of diseases, such as salmonella, rat-bite fever, and trichinosis. They also host parasites such as fleas and ticks, which can spread other diseases.
Warning Signs
Signs of a rat infestation include:
- Unexplained urine or feces stains or smells around the home
- Rat droppings
- Nests or tracks in and around the home
- Rats are seen throughout the home
- Gnaw marks and holes
- Greasy oil marks from the rat’s fur
If you notice these or other signs of a rat infestation it’s important to take quick action before an infestation gets out of control.
Ways To Prevent Norway Rats
Because the Norway or brown rat is such a prolific animal, it’s also important to be proactive in preventing them from moving inside. The best way to keep these pests away is through prevention techniques.
- Effectively seal off any areas where these rodents may be getting into your home since they can enter through holes as small as a quarter.
- You can also use repellants around garbage and pet food receptacles to discourage the Norway rat from visiting these areas.
- Keep pet food inside, covered, and out of reach.
- Store leftover food in air-tight containers.
- Keep garbage can lids tightly closed.
- Repair water leaks around your foundation and in your basement.
Maintain an environment with few hiding places for Norway rats, by removing all unnecessary clutter from your home that might provide a place for Norway rats to hide or build nests.
How Innovative Pest Solutions Can Help
Norway rats are a common type of pest in homes and businesses across the country. These pests can cause a lot of damage. When they invade your home or business, they will look for food and water sources which they need to survive. The problem is their diet consists of almost anything, including human food, garden crops, and dry goods such as cereals and flour. Therefore, when you find Norway rats in your home, you have to deal with them immediately.
The most effective and safest way to handle a rat infestation is to contact the residential pest control professionals at Innovative Pest Solutions. We can eliminate existing populations and help you ensure that rats do not return.
