| Quick Facts | |
|---|---|
| Size | Up to 16″, including tail |
| Color | Grayish or reddish-brown to blackish; lighter gray underbelly |
| Unique Characteristics | Larger bodies; acute hearing and olfactory sense; hairy tail; color-blind |
| Legs | 4 |
| Other names | Common Rat, Street Rat, Laboratory Rat, Fancy Rat |
| Diseases | Hantavirus; Toxoplasmosis; Trichinosis |
Habitat:
- Outdoor burrows up to 6.5 feet along property lines and gardens
- Indoors in basements and crawl spaces
Habits:
- Nocturnal; territorial
- Good swimmers and climbers
- Form family groups and have an order of hierarchy
The most common rat, the Norway Rat, was thought to have originated from Norway but was likely brought over from China and central Asia. Also known as Brown Rats, or Laboratory Rats, this rodent is color-blind with keen senses of smell and hearing. They are nocturnal and omnivorous, living near humans as they are very opportunistic and will feed on just about anything. Foraging for food in garbage cans offers them a balanced diet.
Norway Rat Habitat
Norway Rats prefer to build their nests in underground tunnels or burrows. These burrows can be up to 6.5 feet long as they are enlarged and connected with other burrows as the rat populations grow. As populations grow, a hierarchy is established and fighting over food and water sources becomes more common. The more dominant rats feed at night and the lower-ranked rats are forced to forage during the day. The presence of rats during the day could indicate that there is a large population nearby.
Indoors, rats are often found in crawl spaces, attics, basements, garages, or ceiling areas.
Habits & Dangers
Although linked with the spread of the Bubonic Plague, or Black Death, in the 1300s, Norway Rats are not common transmitters of this disease. They do, however, carry other pathogens for diseases such as Hantavirus and Toxoplasmosis.
The more common issues when dealing with Norway Rats are the damage to food and crops. Because their burrows can be long and extensive, they often cause damage to gardens and landscaping. They also forage consistently and gnaw on objects repeatedly causing damage to structures.
What to do if you have a Norway Rat infestation
If you think you have an infestation of Norway Rats in or around your home, give us a call! Our office staff at The Bug Man and Queen Bee can give you an estimate right over the phone and get you on the schedule as soon as possible, sometimes the next day! Our experienced technicians will thoroughly inspect your house and take all measures to eliminate the Norway Rat infestation. The Bug Man and Queen Bee is a locally owned, family company and we take pride in meeting and exceeding our customers’ expectations. Call or email for your free estimate today!
