What are Norway Rats?

Norway rats, also known as brown rats or sewer rats, are one of the most common rodent pests in urban and rural areas. They are large, heavy-bodied rodents with blunt noses, small ears, and tails that are shorter than their bodies. Norway rats are poor climbers compared to roof rats, but they are excellent burrowers, often creating tunnels in soil, basements, and crawl spaces. These nocturnal rodents feed on a wide variety of food, including grains, garbage, and pet food, making them highly adaptable to human environments.

Signs of Norway Rat Infestation

You may have a Norway rat infestation if you notice:

• Droppings that are capsule-shaped and about three-quarters of an inch long
• Gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or electrical wires
• Grease marks and rub stains along walls or baseboards
• Burrows around foundations, garbage areas, or sheds
• Scratching or gnawing sounds at night, particularly in basements or walls
• Damaged stored food or pet food bags

Why They are a Problem

Norway rats pose serious health and safety risks. They contaminate food and surfaces with urine and droppings, which can spread diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Their gnawing behavior can damage property and even increase the risk of electrical fires. Outdoors, their burrowing weakens soil and can undermine foundations, patios, and sidewalks. Because they reproduce quickly, even a small infestation can escalate into a widespread problem.

Where Do They Come From?

Norway rats prefer low-lying areas and often burrow outdoors before entering buildings. They typically gain access to homes and businesses through:

• Cracks in foundations and basement walls
• Gaps under doors and loading docks
• Sewer and drain systems
• Utility lines and pipes
• Poorly sealed storage or garbage areas

They are especially attracted to locations with easy access to food, water, and shelter.

How to Get Rid of Norway Rats at Home

If you are searching for how to get rid of Norway rats, here are some effective steps:

• Seal gaps and cracks in foundations, walls, and entry points
• Store food in rodent-proof containers and clean up spills promptly
• Keep garbage bins tightly closed and dispose of waste frequently
• Reduce clutter and nesting materials around basements and storage areas
• Place snap traps or bait stations along walls, near burrows, or in areas of activity
• Eliminate standing water around your property to reduce attractants

These steps can help reduce rat activity, but due to their rapid reproduction and strong survival instincts, professional intervention is often necessary for complete control.

Norway Rats vs Roof Rats

Norway rats are often confused with roof rats, but there are key differences:

• Norway rats are larger, stockier, and heavier than roof rats
• Norway rats have blunt noses and short tails, while roof rats have pointed noses and tails longer than their bodies
• Norway rats prefer to burrow in the ground and basements, while roof rats climb into attics, rafters, and trees
• Norway rat droppings are larger and blunt, while roof rat droppings are smaller and pointed

How We Can Help

At Go Away Pest & Wildlife Control, we provide comprehensive solutions to eliminate Norway rats and prevent them from returning. Our technicians inspect your property to locate burrows, entry points, and food sources, then apply targeted treatments that are safe and effective. We also implement long-term exclusion strategies to protect your home or business from recurring infestations. With our professional expertise, you can stop worrying about rats and enjoy a pest-free environment.