What is a Norway rat and should I be concerned? This is a commonly asked question received by the knowledgeable customer service representatives at A-Tex Pest Management especially during the fall of the year. Norway Rats, scientific name, Rattus norvegicus are actively searching for shelter inside homes and commercial buildings in Austin Texas and the surrounding areas. With the onset of the cooler weather, they are definitely a cause for concern. Norway rats are not only responsible for causing extensive damage to your buildings structure they also spread illness and disease.
Where do Norway Rats Come from Originally
Norway rats, also known as brown rats, common rats, street rats, sewer rats, Hanover rats, Norwegian rats, or wharf rats are thought to be of Asian origin, but they are now found throughout the United States and other parts of the world. These rodents can cause damage to your property by gnawing and chewing through walls, insulation and food storage boxes. They are especially fond of chewing wires. Norway rats are brown in color with scattered black hairs and a gray to the white-colored underside. They are 7-9 ½ inches long, heavily bodied with blunt muzzles.
Norway Rats Spread Illness & Disease
Norway rats are vectors of many diseases including plague, jaundice, rat-bite fever, cowpox virus, trichinosis and salmonellosis and can contaminate food and introduce fleas into your home or business. Norway rats spread illness from bacteria they have been exposed to in sewers, dumpsters and any other place that they might encounter rotting food. The CDC has connected the spread of many diseases with rodents including Norway rats.
Norway Rats Want to Make your Home their New Habitat this Winter
Norway rats live outdoors in fields, farmland and in structures. They frequently borrow in soil that is close to riverbanks, in garbage, woodpiles and even under concrete slabs. Norway Rats typically enter a home in the winter months at night when outside food sources become scarce. Norway Rats will chew through almost anything including plastic and lead pipes to gain access to food and water. Norway rats can gain entry into a home through a hole the size of a quarter and will nest in your basement amongst your belongings. Norway rats are social creatures that build burrows close to one another so in all probability if you see one rat, there are sure to be more rats nesting somewhere close by within your home or business. Norway rats are often drawn to piles of wood, so home and business owners should keep firewood stored well away from the building and remove any piles of debris to reduce the opportunities of finding a nesting spot. Seal any holes on the outside of your home with silicone caulk including outlets, fixtures, window frames and air conditioning units, and eliminate sources of moisture, especially in crawl spaces and basement areas. Keep trash bags in sealed containers and regularly inspect your surrounding for signs of infestations.
Professional Norway Rat, Rodent & Wildlife Pest Prevention, Inspection, Control, Removal & Exclusion in Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Leander, Cedar Park TX
If you do see any signs of rat activity in your home or business such as droppings, urine, gnaw marks, chewed wiring, or greasy rub marks caused by oily secretions on the rats fur, contact the pest control professionals at A-Tex Pest Management to safely remove them. Our experienced technicians will also prepare your home against future infestations. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and ask about our comprehensive list of pest control services. We do it right the first time to keep your family safe and Norway rats and other pests out of your home or business for good.