What does a Norway rat look like?
The Norway rat has a stocky body weighing 200 to 500 grams. It is covered in coarse body hair and is reddish to grayish brown with buff-white under parts. It has a blunt nose and its scaly tail is shorter than the head and body combined.

Do Norway rats cause damage and are they hazardous to humans?
Rats are known to be a source of numerous diseases affecting man, such as the Plague and Murine Typhus. Rats contaminate food and cause extensive damage to buildings and equipment In houses, granaries, restaurants and other areas they inhabit. Rats are able to gnaw through wood, electrical wires, and even unfinished concrete.

Where are Norway rats most common?
Rats are a pest that is found year round. They often live outdoors and then migrate inside when cool weather approaches.

When am I most likely to see Norway rats?
Rats are a nocturnal animal, meaning they are most active in the night. If food and water are scarce, or in the case of large infestations, rats become active during the day.

Where do Norway rats build their nests?
Rats nest in any safe location where food and water are available such as under rubbish, between walls or between floors. Outdoors, they will burrow into the ground.

What are the breeding habits of the Norway rat?
Rats are mature 2 to 3 months after birth and have a gestation period of 22 days. 4 to 7 litters are common per year, and each litter will contain 8 to 12 young. The average life span of a rat is one year.

How can I tell if I have an infestation of Norway rats?
Rat droppings are a common indicator of the presence of rats. As well, gnaw marks, tracks, burrows, and greasy markings on walls are often evident.

What can I do to prevent an infestation of Norway rats?
Removal of food sources for rats is an important element of their control. As well, elimination to potential rat entry points and removal of rubbish and other potential nesting areas are essential.

If I have an infestation of Norway rats, what can I do to eliminate them?
Your local Kitsap Pest Control office has products developed for the control of pests such as the Norway Rat. Depending on the severity of the infestation, a single control measure may not be effective and an Integrated Program conducted by an Kitsap Pest Control service technician will be required.