S & W Pest Management Inc : Insect Guide

Norway Rats
Rattus norvegicus
Color: Gray, brown or black
Legs: Four
Shape: Long
Size: 10" to 12" long with tail
Antennae: No
Flight: No

The Norway rat also called "the brown rat" or "sewer rat" is a destructive pest found in both urban and suburban neighborhoods.

These rats live in structures, but they do also live outdoors. Most rats come indoors during the fall. But it's not because of cooler weather, it's because the seeds and plants on which they feed outside are gone. That means they must seek out new food sources, sometimes it's your home. The presence of rats can be detected by droppings or evidence of fresh gnawing. Tracks can be seen in mud and on dusty surfaces. Runways and burrows may be found next to buildings, along fences or railroad tracks, and under low vegetation and debris.

Rats are excellent climbers and are capable of gaining entry through even the smallest holes, most garage doors allow just enough space for mice to fit underneath.

Rats can contaminate food-preparation surfaces with their feces, which can contain the salmonellosis bacterium that causes food poisoning. Micro droplets of rat urine can cause allergies in children and nice can bring fleas, mites, ticks and lice into your home. Their constant gnawing can even cause damage to structures and property.

Prevention:

Make sure all holes and cracks larger around than a quarter are sealed.
Store fire wood away from your home and remove piles of lumber or other decaying wood that could serve as a nesting site.
Store garbage in sealed plastic bags away from the home in cans.
Eliminate sources of moisture such as leaky faucets, plumbing, and free-standing water. Also, make sure that your sprinkler system does not spray directly onto the foundation of your home or business.
Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation, it can serve as hiding places for rodents as well as termites and ants.
Install weather strip on the bottom of all doors to prevent entery.

If you would like to make an appointment with S & W Pest Management, please fill out the online appointment form or call 1-877-989-BUGS.