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Frequently Asked Questions
How did I get Norway rats?
Norway rats will gnaw away parts of the home to enlarge a potential entryway and often burrow their way inside by digging. Older buildings with poor construction and maintenance are at a higher risk for rodent problems.
What Attracts Them?
These rats are accomplished diggers and burrowers, so they are attracted to yards with:
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Gardens
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Uncut grass
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Thick shrubs
Entryways
Norway rats get into homes by entering through gaps and crevices. Rats can fit through holes as small as 1/2 inch. Their most common entryways are:
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Gaps under doors
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Holes from utility and plumbing lines
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Poorly fitting crawlspace doors
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Poorly maintained wall and foundation vents
How serious are Norway rats?
Disease
Norway rats can be carriers of various diseases that can transfer to humans through rat urine and feces.
Damage
These rodents often severely damage building interiors by:
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Chewing on wiring or belongings
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Contaminating food
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Damaging foundations with their burrows
What are the signs of a Norway rat infestation?
Some signs of a Norway rat infestation include:
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Droppings: One of the most well-known signs of a Norway rat infestation are their droppings. These droppings are capsule-shaped and are 1.8 to 2.0 cm long. They can be found scattered along frequently traveled rodent pathways.
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Gnaw Marks: Another sign of these rodents are their gnaw markings on food and objects such as utility lines.
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Grease Stains: Rub marks or grease stains caused by rats running along an edge also can indicate activity. In general, the darker the stain, the greater the activity.
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Visual Sightings: Sightings of these pests during the day often indicate large infestations. Outdoor sightings of burrows surrounding the building may be an indication of their nests.