Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Large brown rats that burrow at ground level near foundations, sewers, and waste areas — aggressive scavengers and vectors of disease.
Know the Norway Rat
Size
40–50 cm (16–20 in); 340–450 g
Appearance
Brown or grayish-brown fur with a lighter underside. Stocky heavy body, blunt snout, small ears and eyes, and a thick scaly tail shorter than head+body.
Feeding
Cereals, grains, meat, sugary substances, food remnants, and waste. Requires water daily; survives ~4 days without food.
Behavior
Ground-dwelling burrower. A breeding pair produces 6–12 litters per year (7–14 pups each), enabling rapid population growth.
Habitat
Burrows near foundations, basements, sewer lines, storage rooms, under machinery, and in waste zones.
Signs of Infestation
- Burrows along foundations and walls
- Gnaw marks on wood, wiring, and packaging
- Greasy rub marks on baseboards
- Droppings (blunt ends, ~2 cm) near food storage
- Scratching sounds from lower levels
Health & Property Risks
Transmit leptospirosis, salmonella, plague, and rat-bite fever. Damage wiring, plumbing, and structural materials.
A.I.R. Framework for Norway Rat
Every norway rat engagement follows our proven three-step methodology — tailored precisely to this pest.
Assess
Inspect foundations, basements, sewer connections, and waste areas for burrows and droppings.
Implement
Deploy professional bait stations, traps, and rodenticides. Seal entry points ≥1.2 cm; remove food and water access.
Review
Audit perimeter exclusion monthly and partner with municipal sewer baiting where applicable.
Norway Rat Questions Answered
The most common things people ask us about norway rat — straight from years of fieldwork.
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Ready to Protect Your Space?
Choose Urban Pest Solution for comprehensive, technology-driven pest control. Our A.I.R approach makes us the ideal partner for a pest-free environment.