Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Quick ID Markers
Habits & Biology
Also called the brown rat or sewer rat. Lives at ground level and underground. Excellent swimmer. Gnaws through almost anything — wood, plastic, soft concrete, even lead pipes. Highly neophobic (cautious of new objects).
Typical Hiding Areas
Underground burrows along foundations, under slabs, in crawlspaces, inside wall voids near the floor, and in dense vegetation near buildings.
Signs of Activity
🗓️ Seasonality
Year-round. Seek indoor warmth and food in fall and winter. Breed prolifically — 5–6 litters per year.
⚠️ Mistaken Identity
🧪 Treatment Plan
Norway rat control requires snap trapping, bait stations, and exclusion working together. Sealing entry points is critical — rats can squeeze through a 1/2" gap.
Call a pro if burrows are under the foundation slab, inside structural walls, or if population is large (5+ burrows active).
Place large snap traps (Victor or T-Rex) along walls, behind appliances, and near burrow entrances. Position traps perpendicular to the wall with the trigger end touching the baseboard.
Prevention After Treatment
- •Seal all entry points annually
- •Keep property clean and free of debris
- •Use bait stations as ongoing perimeter maintenance
- •Inspect crawlspace and utility areas quarterly