Also known as the brown rat, ship rat or wharf rat, the Norway rat is a large rodent that can grow to 16 inches and may weigh over a pound. They are typically brown or gray, with a hairless tail. These rats urinate and defecate wherever they go spreading various diseases including leptospirosis and salmonella. They may also carry dangerous parasites like deer ticks.

Behavior and Habits

• They are fairly social and live in large groups. A female is capable of having as many as seven litters of between two and 14 young in a single year. Rats take about four weeks to reach sexual maturity.

• They are omnivores with a preference for meat. In the wild, Norway rats are capable of catching small fish and hunting for other rodents. When in close proximity to human communities, their main source of food is garbage. They usually make their burrows in locations where there is a reliable supply of garbage from humans.

• They are rarely seen outside of their burrows in daylight. When they are seen, this may mean limited space in the burrow caused by a very large infestation.

If you spot signs of a Norway rat infestation on your property, rat control is essential. Our rat control professionals will block the points at which rats enter your premises and take steps to catch and remove them.