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Norway Rat

Category

Actual Size: 16” long including the tail

Characteristics: Robust bodies. Typically grayish-brown can be reddish-brown to blackish.

Habits: Prefer to burrow in soil, often around property lines or home foundations.

  • Has short and hairy tails, especially compared to their thick bodies.
  • Drawn to underground tunnels where they can burrow in the soil.
  • Also commonly called “sewer rats” or “brown rats”.


Norway Rat

Norway Rats in Atlanta, GA

Norway rats, also known as brown rats, are robust rodents with distinctive features. They typically have coarse brown or grayish fur, small ears relative to their body size, and scaly tails shorter than their bodies. Their bodies are more massive and heavier compared to other rat species. Norway rats are highly adaptable and are found worldwide, often thriving in urban areas, sewers, and environments where humans store food. Since they are capable of spreading serious diseases to humans, they’re not a pest you want to find near your property.

Norway Rat Habitat

Norway rats are excellent burrowers and are known for creating elaborate underground systems for shelter and nesting. They’re commonly found in urban areas with plenty of access to food and water, such as sewers, basements, or warehouses. As opportunistic omnivores, Norway rats will eat a wide array of foods ranging from grains and fruits to meats, pet food, or trash. Their indiscriminate feeding habits often lead to property damage, contamination of food supplies, and potential health hazards due to their presence in human-inhabited spaces.

Norway Rat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers

Norway rats pose several threats and dangers, primarily due to their ability to spread diseases, cause property damage, and contaminate food supplies. These rodents can transmit a variety of diseases to humans and pets through direct contact, their feces, urine, or bites. Diseases such as leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and even the potentially life-threatening hantavirus can be transmitted by Norway rats. Their gnawing habits cause structural damage to buildings, electrical wiring, and pipes, leading to potential fire hazards and costly repairs.

Since these rodents are dangerous and can spread so quickly, it’s crucial to contact your local rodent removal experts if you suspect you have an infestation to get fast and effective help.