Norway Rat
Description
Similar to the roof rat but larger and chunkier. The tail is shorter than length of head and body. On average, total body length is 444 millimeters; tail, 205 millimeters; hind foot, 46 millimeters; weight, 400 to 500 grams.
Why be concerned?
The Norway rat, along with roof rats and house mice, are known as commensal rodents-"one who eats at the same table." The largest of these rodents, Norway rats consume and contaminate large quantities of food each year. They also damage structures and even cause fires by gnawing on electrical wiring. Rodents carry transmittable diseases, and droppings and urine can create considerable biohazard.
What You Can Do
The best way to eliminate rodent problems is through exclusion. Discourage rodents from establishing outside: keep your yard free of debris; trim back vegetation from around the structure and roof; keep bird feeders away from the structure; regularly clean spilled bird feed. Block access to your structure: check that crawl space doors fit tightly and are in good condition; check that the vents are in tact; repair access points in the foundation and roof.
What We Would Do
Again, exclusion is the key. Following a thorough inspection, all access points would be sealed, contamination removed from your crawl space and/or attic, and traps set in areas of interior activity. For outside rodent populations, your technician may install locked rodent bait stations, which are secured to the ground.
