Classic Insulation & Pest Control

Norway Rats

Pest

Norway Rats

Pest Category

Rodent

Do they carry disease?

Yes

Do they cause structural damage?

Yes

Other damage

Damage to ducting/insulation, electrical wiring and plumbing in and around structures. Can also infest items within a structure such as furniture, automobiles...anywhere a safe and quiet, harborage can be found.

Additional note: A rodent's teeth never stop growing, thus they constantly have the need to gnaw and chew on objects. As a result. they can do damage to electrical wiring, plumbing fixtures etc... It is important to remove them from a building as soon as possible.

Signs to look for

Noises at night are a sure sign. Foraging and building of nests at night is a common habit of most rodents. Droppings and urine stain in attic and crawlspace insulation as well as smudges caused by rats and mice entering in and out of an opening consistently. Their fur is rather oily and that oil rubs off when they come in and out of the same opening, eventually leaving a dark colored smudge. One of the best indicators of a rat and/or mouse infestation is noise. Scratching, clawing sounds in the late evening and early morning hours. Often times customers hear noises coming from the heat ducting that runs underneath or above the structure. Both rats and mice tend to make nests in the insulation around the ducting and the floor registers because that area tends to be warmed by the heat from the furnace. Household pets will scratch, stare and sit by floor registers because they can hear the rodent activity. When a pet begins to do this it is a good sign that something is wrong.

Where they are noticed?

Predominantly attics, basements, garages and crawlspaces, as well as the outdoors.

Habits

Norway rats are very common in the northwest. They are known as Brown rats also. Being the largest of the species in this area, they claim dominance where ever they go. They are not as adept at climbing as the Roof Rat, but they can be found in attics etc..., they are more normally found in crawlspaces and lower levels of residential structures. Burrowing is quite common with this species. These rats will prey on mice and other rat species when food is short. They will also eat one another if survival is dependant upon it. Norway rats will travel great distances when the need for adequate food and shelter require it. If food and shelter are plentiful they will travel much less.

If Untreated...

Repairs could be anywhere from hundreds to thousands if left untreated. There are possible health concerns related to living conditions for humans as well.

Tips

Bird feeders and pet food left outside are a magnet for these animals. A strong rodent control program needs to incorporate the following: Thorough inspection to determine the type of rodent that is being addressed. Finding and sealing the holes that rodents are using to enter the structure. The use of bait and traps and other applicable rodent control measures. Continuous monitoring of the baiting, trapping and other measures installed, as a deceased rodent is still a possible food source and source of unpleasant odor withing the structure. Finally, identify and address the conditions that led to the infestation. There are also possible concerns to humans concerning living conditions.