Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Norway rats are large, robust rodents measuring 7-10 inches with tails shorter than their body length. They have brown or grayish-brown fur, small ears, and blunt noses. Their droppings are capsule-sh...
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How to Identify Norway Rat
Norway rats are large, robust rodents measuring 7-10 inches with tails shorter than their body length. They have brown or grayish-brown fur, small ears, and blunt noses.
Norway rats are large, robust rodents measuring 7-10 inches with tails shorter than their body length. They have brown or grayish-brown fur, small ears, and blunt noses. Their droppings are capsule-shaped, about 3/4 inch long with blunt ends. They're also called brown rats, sewer rats, or wharf rats.
Norway Rat Behavior & Habits
Understanding how norway rat behave helps prevent infestations
Norway rats are primarily nocturnal and excellent swimmers. They burrow extensively, creating complex tunnel systems under buildings, along foundations, and in embankments. They prefer to nest at ground level or below and are neophobic (cautious of new objects), making them challenging to trap initially.
Norway Rat Risks & Dangers
What norway rat can do to your health and property
Health Risks
Norway rats carry serious diseases including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, and plague. They contaminate far more food than they consume. Their urine and feces create health hazards, and they can bite when cornered.
Property Damage
Norway rats cause extensive damage by gnawing on structures, electrical wiring (fire hazard), pipes, and insulation. Their burrowing can undermine foundations and damage landscaping. Damage can cost thousands to repair.
Signs of Norway Rat Infestation
Look for these indicators in your home
Norway Rat in Boise & the Treasure Valley
Norway rats are found throughout the Treasure Valley, particularly in older commercial areas, near waterways, and in neighborhoods with mature landscaping. They're most commonly encountered in basements and crawl spaces of older Boise homes.
How We Eliminate Norway Rat
Professional treatment for complete elimination
Norway rat control requires integrated pest management: inspection to identify entry points and nesting areas, exclusion to seal entry points, trapping or baiting for population reduction, and sanitation recommendations. Complete control often takes 2-4 weeks depending on infestation severity.
How to Prevent Norway Rat
Steps you can take to reduce the risk of infestation
Norway Rat Questions Answered
Common questions about identification, prevention, and treatment
What's the difference between Norway rats and roof rats?
Norway rats are larger, have blunt noses and small ears, and prefer ground-level habitats. Roof rats are sleeker, have pointed noses and large ears, and prefer elevated areas like attics.
Can rats chew through concrete?
Norway rats can gnaw through soft concrete, cinder block, and most building materials. They cannot gnaw through properly cured concrete but will exploit existing cracks and gaps.
Similar Pests
Learn about other pests in this category