The Norway rat (rattus norgegicus) is also commonly known as the brown rat, street rat, sewer rat, Hanover rat, common rat, Norwegian rat, and wharf rat. As the many names imply, the Norway rat is one of the most common and well-known rats found in North America.

When Did Norway Rats Come to America?

It is believed that the Norway rat arrived in North American on ships coming from Europe as early as 1775. Today the Norway rat inhabits many areas across the entire United States. In its natural setting, the rat will aerate soil when digging burrows as well as ensuring the livelihood of many plant species by scattering seeds. In urban settings, the rat can damage structures and spread disease when moving into homes and outbuildings.

Brown Norway Rat Identification

The Norway rat is generally nocturnal but may be seen during the day if food sources are scarce. The fur is typically coarse in appearance and can appear brown, reddish or gray in color with whitish-grey fur on the underbelly. They are known to reach lengths of seven to ten inches (not including their five to eight-inch tail), making them one of the largest species of rats found in residential homes.

Diet & Habitat of the Norway Rat Rodent

The diet of the Norway rat includes plants, seeds, and insects along with small mammals such as mice. Once established in a home, they will hunt for grains, meat, fish, nuts, and fruit than can be found in pantries and kitchens along with items of food that have been discarded in trash cans in and outside the home. The natural habitat of the Norway rat includes fields that are close to water sources such as streams or creeks. Residential homes have the ability to provide shelter, warmth, water, and food; all in one convenient location. Once in the home, the Norway rat prefers to reside on ground floors, garages, and basements.

Rodent Proofing Your Home from Rat & Mice Damage

Norway rats have an extraordinary sense of smell which makes residential homes an easy target. Norway rats are extremely pliant and can enter buildings through spaces as small as half an inch in diameter. They can also burrow and chew through any existing cracks in walls, floors, doors and window sills. The Norway rat is responsible for millions of dollars in damage to residential homes and commercial buildings each year including structural damage to foundations, damage to electrical wires, water pipes, and insulation.

Bacteria & Disease Spread by Rats & Mice to Humans

Norway rats are known carriers of disease and they can easily contaminate food and food preparation surfaces. Their waste products also carry diseases including typhus, leptospirosis trichinosis, and food poisoning illnesses.

Rodent Prevention & Exclusion Tips

To prevent Norway rats from taking up residence in your home, contact the knowledge experts at Rentokil for professional rodent prevention, exclusion, trapping and removal services. Your rodent control specialist will educate you on sealing holes and creating a barrier around your home along with providing information about a Rentokil comprehensive lawn care service to remove tall weeds and long grass around the perimeter of your home. This will minimize the Norway rat’s ability to hide close to your home before attempting to gain access.