What are Norway rats?
Norway rats are a large rat species and one of the most common to invade homes, businesses, and other structures. They have a scaly tail that is about the same length or shorter than their head and body combined. The body of a Norway rat has brown fur with darker hairs sprinkled throughout; their underbelly is lighter in color. Because Norway rats are rodents, you can identify them by their large front incisors that never stop growing.
Are Norway rats dangerous?
Norway rats that live in or near our homes or businesses cause people and our property harm. They transmit dangerous diseases, along with contaminating surfaces, silverware, dishes, food prep areas, and food with their excrement, saliva, and bacteria that they carry on their feet and bodies.
Their large front incisors and strong jaws can cause a lot of destruction when Norway rats find their way into our structures. They chew through and damage wires, pipes, and other structural elements. Their chewing behaviors also cause damage to our personal property like clothes, shoes, and furniture.
Norway rats memorize their way from their nest to food source and take the same path each day. This repetitive behavior causes dirt and grease marks to build up on walls, floors, and furniture.
Why do I have a Norway rat problem?
Why do I have a Norway rat problem?
Norway rats have dense bodies, so instead of climbing to gain access into buildings, they dig or chew their way in, usually at ground level. Norway rats typically live outside but will move indoors to escape harsh weather or to forage for more food sources. These large rats are initially attracted to our properties by any food they can obtain from trash cans, gardens, animal feed containers, our pet’s food bowls, and outdoor eating areas.
Where will I find Norway rats?
Where will I find Norway rats?
Like with other species or rats and rodents, Norway rats live successfully in a variety of places, such as cities, suburbs, or farm areas. They live wherever they can find plenty of shelter and many sources of food. Norway rats live and build their nests in woodpiles, garbage dumpsters, gardens, fields, and under foundations. Inside they are most likely to live on the ground level inside basements, crawl spaces, or behind wall voids on the first floor.
Norway rats are nocturnal, therefore, it is rare to see these rats out and about during the day. These rats are most active at night; if you do ever see Norway rat activity during the day, it is an indicator that a large scale infestation has developed.
How do I get rid of Norway rats?
How do I get rid of Norway rats?
Getting rid of Norway rats from your yard, home, or business is best left up to a professional. The professionals here at Amco Pest Solutions will provide you with the year-round solutions needed to get rid of Norway rats and prevent them from returning. Whether you are looking to get rid of a current Norway rat infestation or avoid future problems with them, our family owned and operated company is here to help.
Our professionals are committed to providing the pest control services needed to help home and business owners keep their properties free of Norway rats and other common pests.
Amco Pest Solutions provides residential pest control and commercial pest control services throughout New Jersey, the five boroughs of New York, and South Florida. Reach out today to learn more about our effective Norway rat control solutions!
How can I prevent Norway rats in the future?
How can I prevent Norway rats in the future?
To make your property less attractive to Norway rats, whether you live in New Jersey, New York, or South Florida, use the following, easy to execute, prevention tips:
Keep your yard from providing easy access to food by keeping locking lids on trash cans, maintaining gardens, removing bird feeders, and picking up pet food at night.
Eliminate sources of water by fixing leaky pipes, storing containers that collect water upside down, and keeping gutters clear of debris.
Use steel wool to keep roof rats from moving inside through spaces in the foundation, water pipes, or gaps in walls. Other weaker materials like plastic are easily chewed through by rats.
Remove overgrown weeds or vegetation along your home’s foundation where Norway rats can hide.
Woodpiles are common hiding place for Norway rats, remove unneeded piles of wood from your property. Place woodpiles you do keep away from your home’s exterior walls.
Notice a rat infestation sooner rather than later by keeping clutter in your home and yard to a minimum.
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