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The Norway rat is also referred to as the “ship rat” or the “wharf rat” in some areas. It is a small rodent that grows up to 12 inches long. The rat has a relatively short tail that is about 6-8 inches long. The Norway rat also has brown fur with black hairs scattered throughout its body.
Despite being heavier, Norway rats are decent climbers and swimmers, so they can access different areas that other animals cannot reach. Since Norway rats like to live in dark spaces, they are often found near barns or farms, garbage dumps, or water supplies. They prefer basements and low levels of the home.
Problems Caused By Norway Rats In Your Home
Norway rats are dangerous pests and have an extremely negative effect on humans because of their ability to enter homes and cause damage to furniture, food, and other objects. Norway rats have become accustomed to homes, and they are smart enough to know that if they live in close quarters with humans, their basic needs for food and shelter will be met. Therefore it’s critical to take measures preventing them from entering your Monmouth home.
Rats gnaw at objects and eat stored food. Food is one of the main reasons why many people don’t want to encounter these creatures. Norway rats, also called brown rats, can cause damage to homes and businesses alike because of their insatiable need to chew and the number of things they can eat. They can also cause fires by chewing on wires and water damage from chewing on pipes that can lead to mold issues.
Norway rats also spread disease through urine, droppings, and bites, as well as fleas and mites from their fur. Leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia, and salmonellosis are some of the diseases carried by the Norway rat.
How Common Are Norway Rats In Monmouth County?
Norway rats have been reported from all of the Monmouth County towns. The reason Norway rats thrive in suburban areas is that they are not affected by weather conditions. These rats breed litters 4 to 6 times per year and wean 20 or more offspring every year.
Ways To Prevent Norway Rats
The Norway rat can enter through even small holes leading into your Monmouth County home. They are known for chewing and gnawing with their front teeth on drywall, insulation, furniture, boxes, pipes, and wiring. Here are different ways that homeowners can try to prevent Norway rats:
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Make sure that the garbage cans are sealed with tight-fitting lids.
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Check for any signs of chewing on the trash cans, boxes, wires, etc.
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Seal all gaps, cracks, and crevices along the foundation of your home.
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Fix leaking pipes and other sources of excess moisture.
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Removing clutter from the yard as it provides ideal nesting grounds for rats.
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Keep pet food inside in sealed containers and never leave food outside overnight.
Food is what attracts Norway rats the most. Rats will smell the food from far distances and will chew their way into homes to get at it. The more you can limit access to food and minimize ways rats can get inside the more protected your home will be.
Assistance From Alliance Pest Services
The above tips work well as a way to deter a rat population, but if rats are already on your property, professional rodent control services are likely needed. The safest and most effective way to handle a rat infestation is to hire professionals like those of us at Alliance Pest Services. We are highly skilled in getting rid of rodents using the most effective techniques and products and will make sure to eliminate the existing population and help you make sure it doesn’t return. We also provide commercial pest control for local businesses.
