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Norway rat

Home / Rodent Control / Norway rat

Do you hear scratching noises in your walls or ceilings? Do you see droppings or gnaw marks around your property? Do you smell a musty odor or notice signs of nesting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may have a Norway rat infestation. Norway rats are large rodents that can pose serious threats to your home or business. Here are some facts and tips about the Norway rat that you need to know.

What is a Norway rat?

A Norway rat is a large rodent that has a brown or gray fur, a blunt snout, small ears, and a scaly tail. They can reach up to 16 inches long nose to tail and weigh between 7 and 18 ounces and are found in Madison, Wisconsin. It is also known as the brown rat, the sewer rat, or the wharf rat. It is native to Asia but has spread to almost every continent. It is one of the most common rodents in urban areas and can adapt to various environments. It is also a social rodent, which means it lives in groups and communicates with each other.

Why is a Norway rat a problem?

A Norway rat is a problem for several reasons:

  • A Norway rat will eat almost anything, including grains, meats, fish, and processed foods. It will also scavenge on garbage, pet food, bird seed, or compost. It can consume up to one ounce of food per day and store excess food in its burrows or nests.
  • A female Norway rat can produce up to 12 litters of 6 to 12 babies per year. A litter can be born in as little as 21 days and can reach maturity in 3 months. This means that a single pair of rats can produce over one hundred offspring in a year.
  • A Norway rat will contaminate your food and water sources with its urine and feces. It can also spread many germs and diseases, such as plague, typhus, leptospirosis, and salmonella. These diseases can affect humans and pets and can cause serious health problems.
  • Norway rat will gnaw on wood, insulation, wires, plastic, and other materials. It can damage your structure, furniture, appliances, and even cause fires. It can also create holes and nests in your walls, ceilings, floors, and attics.

How can you identify a Norway rat?

You can identify a Norway rat by its appearance, behavior, and signs of activity. Some clues that you have a Norway rat infestation are:

  • Droppings: Norway rat droppings are large, dark brown, capsule-shaped pellets that are about 3/4 inch long. You may find them on walls, under furniture, in cabinets, or near food sources.
  • Tracks: Norway rat tracks are large footprints that may be visible on dusty or dirty surfaces. You may also see tail marks or drag marks between the footprints.
  • Gnaw marks: Norway rat gnaw marks are large holes or scratches that may appear on food packages, woodwork, wires, or other materials. They may also leave behind wood shavings or plastic fragments.
  • Nests: Norway rat nests are made of shredded paper, fabric, insulation, or other soft materials. They are usually hidden in dark and secluded places, such as basements, sewers, crawl spaces, or attics.
  • Sounds: Norway rat sounds are squeaks or rustling noises that may be heard at night when they are active. You may also hear scratching or gnawing sounds from inside your walls or ceilings.

How can you identify a Norway rat?

The best way to prevent and control a Norway rat is to contact a professional pest control company. At Kwik Kill Pest Control we can quickly identify your rodent issue, create an action plan, and quote you for the service.

KWIK KILL SERVICES TO CONTROL RATS

Additional Resources

https://nematode.unl.edu/norwayrat.htm
http://www.biokids.umich.edu/critters/Rattus_norvegicus/
https://extension.usu.edu/pests/schoolipm/structural-pest-id-guide/norway-rat

Prevent And Control A Norway Rat

There are many types of common pests that routinely invade homes in the Madison area. At Kwik Kill, we are experts in solving each one of these unique pest control problems.

As the season’s change, so do the types of pests that can invade your home. We have pest control solutions for any time of year, whether it’s raining, snowing or sunny outside.

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