Norway Rat
(Rattus norvegicus)
Large, burrowing rats that cause property damage and spread serious diseases.
Overview
Norway rats are the larger and more common of the two rat species found in Bowling Green. They are powerful, adaptable rodents that live in close association with humans. They burrow under foundations, in crawl spaces, and along building perimeters. Norway rats are destructive — they gnaw through wires (creating fire hazards), contaminate food supplies, and can damage plumbing and insulation. They are known carriers of several diseases including leptospirosis, salmonella, and rat-bite fever.
Appearance
Norway rats are large rodents with a heavy, thick body measuring 7 to 9-1/2 inches, plus a shorter, scaly tail of 6 to 8 inches. They are brown to grayish-brown on top with a lighter gray or white belly. They have small, close-set ears that do not cover the eyes when folded forward, small eyes, and a blunt snout. Their tail is shorter than their body length, which distinguishes them from roof rats.
Habitat
Norway rats are ground-level dwellers and burrowers. They dig burrow systems with multiple entry points along foundations, under concrete slabs, in crawl spaces, and in landscaping. Indoors, they nest in basements, ground-level wall voids, and under appliances. They stay close to food and water sources and typically travel the same runways repeatedly, creating visible grease trails.
Diet
Norway rats are omnivorous, with a preference for high-protein and high-fat foods including meat, fish, pet food, grains, and garbage. They need 1/2 to 1 ounce of water daily and will drink from any available source. They tend to feed at the same locations and are cautious about trying new food sources.
Lifecycle
Females can produce 4 to 6 litters per year, with 6 to 12 pups per litter. Pups are weaned at 3 to 4 weeks and reach reproductive maturity at about 3 months. Under ideal conditions, a pair of Norway rats and their offspring could theoretically produce thousands of descendants in a year. Adults live about 1 year.
Signs of Infestation
- !Large, capsule-shaped droppings (3/4 inch long) along walls and near food sources
- !Burrow holes (2 to 3 inches diameter) along foundations, under slabs, or in landscaping
- !Dark grease marks (rub marks) along walls and baseboards from repeated travel paths
- !Gnaw marks on wood, wires, pipes, and food containers
- !Sounds of gnawing, scratching, or movement in walls at night
- !An ammonia-like odor in confined spaces
Prevention Tips
- ✓Seal all openings larger than 1/2 inch with steel mesh, sheet metal, or concrete
- ✓Store trash in heavy-duty containers with tight-fitting lids
- ✓Remove pet food and water bowls at night
- ✓Eliminate harborage by clearing debris, lumber, and dense vegetation from along foundations
- ✓Repair damaged sewer laterals that can provide entry
- ✓Keep dumpster areas clean and well-maintained
Professional Treatment
Professional Norway rat control requires a comprehensive approach including thorough inspection, exclusion (sealing entry points with rodent-proof materials), trapping with professional-grade snap traps, and exterior bait station placement. Because rats are cautious of new objects in their environment, trap and bait placement requires experience. Ongoing monitoring and bait station maintenance is essential, as rats from neighboring properties can continually reinvade if exterior defenses are not maintained.
Did You Know?
- •Despite their name, Norway rats likely originated in China, not Norway.
- •Their teeth grow continuously — about 5 inches per year — which is why they constantly gnaw.
- •They can tread water for up to 3 days and can enter buildings through sewer lines.
- •Norway rats are neophobic — they are suspicious of new objects and may avoid traps for several days.
7 to 9-1/2 inch body, plus 6 to 8 inch tail
Brown to grayish-brown with a lighter gray or white belly
4
Heavy, thick body with small ears and blunt snout
Brown rat, Sewer rat, Wharf rat
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