Norway Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Large brown rat that burrows and commonly infests basements and ground floors.

Rodent High Risk

About Norway Rat

Norway rats, also called brown rats or sewer rats, are large rodents measuring 7-9 inches in body length with a tail slightly shorter than the body. They have coarse brown fur, small ears, and a blunt nose. Unlike roof rats, they're poor climbers and prefer ground-level living, burrowing outdoors or inhabiting basements and crawl spaces. They're excellent swimmers and can enter through sewer lines. Highly intelligent and cautious, they can detect and avoid traps. Adults live 6-12 months and females produce 4-6 litters annually with 6-12 young each. They require 1/2-1 ounce of water daily.

Identification

Large (7-9 inches body, 6-8 inches tail). Coarse brown or gray fur. Blunt nose. Small ears and eyes. Heavy, thick body. Tail shorter than body length. Weighs 7-18 ounces.

Signs of Infestation

Rat droppings (3/4 inch long, blunt ends, dark). Gnaw marks on wood, pipes, wires. Burrows along building foundations. Grease marks (rub marks) along travel routes. Scratching sounds in walls. Tracks in mud or dust. Nests in hidden areas. Strong musky odor.

Health & Safety Risks

Rats spread more than 35 diseases including plague, hantavirus, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. Contaminate food with urine and feces. Cause structural damage through gnawing. Create fire hazards by chewing electrical wiring. Bite if cornered or threatened.

Prevention Tips

Eliminate food sources and secure garbage. Remove harborage sites (debris, woodpiles). Seal openings larger than 1/2 inch. Fix plumbing leaks. Install proper drainage. Keep vegetation trimmed back. Remove bird feeders. Elevate stored items off ground. Install screens on vents.

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