The Most Common Problems Cause By Norway Rats

Norway rats are very smart, very paranoid animals. Over time, they have learned that while living close to people is dangerous, it is a lot safer than living out in the wild with all the predators. Plus, as an added benefit, they get access to food, warmth and shelter. This is why we currently have to deal with rats all the time, and with all of the problems that they cause.

Identifying Norway rats

Norway rats can grow to be up to 15 inches in length, with seven of those inches being just the tail. In terms of weight, they can reach up to 18 ounces. They have gray or brown fur with a lighter underbelly, and their fur is shaggy, while their ears and tails are covered in scales.

What attracts Norway rats into a home?

Norway rats are very capable of squeezing through tight holes in order to reach their destinations, but they do not rely exclusively on this ability if they want to gain access into a building – they will also take existing holes and gnaw on them to make them larger. This makes most buildings vulnerable to an infestation, but older buildings are even more prone to infestation due to the materials that they use.

Norway rats will be drawn first to your yard. If they can find gardens that have thick shrubbery, or yards with uncut grass, they will be right at home. From there, it’s just a matter of time before they sense that there is food inside, and soon they will have gained access to the home.

Problems posed by Norway rats

Norway rats are a serious pest that can spread various dangerous diseases to both humans and their pets, including the bubonic plague. In terms of damage, they will contaminate food, chew through wiring and other objects in the home, and damage the foundation of the home by burrowing through and under it.

Rats are a serious problem to have, and taking care of an infestation early on can save you a lot of trouble. These pests are able to reproduce very quickly, and before you know it, two rats turn into a few dozen. Contact us today if you have noticed any signs of a rodent infestation in your home and we will come and take care of it. You can also contact us with any questions you may have or to set up an appointment for an inspection to determine the presence and severity of an infestation.