Norway Rats

Whether you live in an area known for rat infestations or not, there’s always a possibility that rats will find their way into your Georgia home or business. Norway rats are common rodents here, and knowing how to prevent them and what to do if you see them on your property is crucial to avoiding the many problems they cause. Bizzy Bee Exterminators has over 50 years of experience dealing with Norway rats. We’ve put together the most important information for you to know about these pests.

What Are Norway Rats?

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), also known as sewer rats, are large brown rats. Their big, heavy bodies typically keep them on the lower levels of the buildings they infest, but they can climb, jump, and even swim if necessary. Norway rats are known to spread diseases and damage property, so they are not pests you want around your Metro Atlanta home or business.

Norway Rat Identification

Size & Appearance

• 7-9 inches long, with their tails nearly doubling their overall length
• Brown fur with black hairs intermixed throughout their coat
• Gray to cream colored underbellies
• Pointed noses
• Small eyes and ears

Behavior & Habits

• Social creatures that build burrows near each other
• Can fit through holes the size of a quarter
• Tend to stick to the ground floors or basements of buildings
• Nocturnal pests that forage at dusk and dawn
• Prefer meats and cereals, but will eat almost anything
• Reproduce rapidly, with females giving birth up to six times a year

Signs of Infestation

• Finding capsule-shaped, blunt-ended droppings
• Seeing gnaw marks
• Seeing footprints or rub marks
• Finding nesting materials
• Seeing the rats themselves
• Hearing scratching or squeaking noises in the lower levels of your home

The Difference Between Norway Rats and Roof Rats

Although both Norway rats and roof rats get into Georgia homes, there are a few key differences between the two rodents:

• Norway rats have thick, heavy bodies
• Roof rats have long, slender bodies
• Norway rats prefer to stay on the ground level
• Roof rats are excellent climbers that nest on upper levels of structures
• Norway rats have tails that are shorter than their bodies
• Roof rats have tails that are longer than their bodies
• Norway rats will eat just about anything
• Roof rats are a bit pickier, preferring fruits, berries, and nuts

Why Norway Rats Are a Problem 

Norway rats are a problem for a couple of reasons. First, they are highly destructive. Like other rodent species, they have teeth that never stop growing. They constantly gnaw on things to wear their teeth down. When they enter properties, they can destroy belongings, wires, pipes, and other property with this destructive behavior. More than a financial loss, Norway rat infestations can result in fires and flooding.

Norway rats also leave contaminated droppings all over the place. Unfortunately, contact with rodent droppings can result in illnesses, including salmonellosis. Direct contact with a Norway rat can cause rat bite fever.

How Norway Rats Get Into Houses

Norway rats may be large rodents, but don’t need large openings to access your house. Any hole the size of a quarter allows Norway rats to get inside. That means they could enter your home through a gap under your garage door, a hole in your window screens, or a gap around a utility entry point.

Where Norway Rats Nest

Outdoors

• In fields
• On farms
• Near riverbanks
• In sewers
• In garbage dumps
• In woodpiles
• Under concrete slabs

Indoors

• In basements
• In storage areas
• Under piles of clutter
• Behind or under appliances

How to Prevent Norway Rat Infestations

Preventing a Norway rat infestation will save you money, worry, and frustration. Take the following preventative measures to avoid getting Norway rats in your Atlanta home or business:

• Seal all entry points, no matter how small
• Store firewood away from your home
• Remove lawn debris and clutter
• Reduce moisture inside and outside
• Store all food in sealed containers
• Remove outdoor food sources, like bird feeders and pet food
• Keep outdoor trash cans away from your house and tightly closed

How to Eliminate Norway Rats

If you see signs of Norway rats on your property, don’t try to eliminate them yourself. Because they breed rapidly, it is tough to eliminate an entire infestation through traps, baits, and other DIY methods. Instead, contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators. Our rodent control eliminates the infestation and ensures it doesn’t return. Plus, our services are fully guaranteed!

FAQs About Norway Rats

Are Norway rats dangerous? 

Yes, Norway rats are dangerous to your property and health. These rodents are highly destructive, capable of chewing through pipes, electrical wires, ductwork, and even structural materials. On top of the damage, they contaminate surfaces and spread harmful pathogens wherever they go. The last thing you want is a Norway rat infestation in your home or business.

Do Norway rats bite?

It’s rare, but they can bite if cornered or threatened. Their bites can transmit bacteria and cause infections.

What time of day are Norway rats most active?

Norway rats are primarily nocturnal, so you’re unlikely to see much movement during the day. They’re most active around dusk and again just before dawn, when they come out to search for food. It may indicate an infestation if you notice scratching, gnawing, or other activity in the evening or early morning.

Contact Our Local Pros for Rat Control

A Norway rat infestation is nothing to mess around with. If you suspect you have rats in your Georgia home or business, contact Bizzy Bee Exterminators. We’ve been serving Metro Atlanta with effective pest control, including rodent control, since 1972. Give us a call today to take care of your rat problem.

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