The Norway rat is one of the most common rodents in the world, and it has been a plague on humanity for thousands of years. The species is originally from Asia, but it has since spread through various trade routes across the world. At first, the rats traveled with humans from settlement to settlement across land, but as maritime trade grew in importance and volume, the rats hopped aboard the ships, and reached new continents. Now, these rats are found on every continent on Earth with the exception of Antarctica.
Appearance
The Norway rat is quite large, reaching up to 16 inches in length with the tail included in the measurement. It has a stocky body and a relatively small head, with a fur that can be gray or brown in coloration. The rat will also have a hairless tail and a lighter underbelly. With that being said, it’s fairly unlikely that you will see a Norway rat out in the open during an infestation, because the rats prefer to stay out of sight. If you do spot one out and about, it means that the infestation has gotten large and the rats are being forced out of the nest at different times during the day.
Signs of infestation
The signs of a rat infestation tend to be more subtle than spotting the rats themselves. The most common sign that you will spot will be their droppings. The droppings will be grouped up together and they will be shaped like rice and black in coloration. You may also come across gnaw marks across various surfaces, especially the baseboards, and you may start to notice trails on your carpets and walls. Finally, you may hear the rats at night as they squeak and travel through the walls.
Prevention
To prevent a rat infestation, you have to make sure that they do not have access to food, and that there are no gaps or cracks in the exterior walls of the home. You can also make sure that you keep the place as clean as possible, and that you remove clutter, since it often serves as a nesting area and cover for the rats.
Control
When it comes to control, most infestations are handled by a pro, who will either use traps or poisons. For more information on what the rat control process entails, or if you have an infestation that has to be removed, contact us today.
Source:
