Norway Rats
(804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383
Norway Rat Removal, Norway Rat Control & Norway Rat Extermination in VA. We are experts at removing Norway rats. The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is also known as the house rat, brown rat, wharf rat, and sewer rat. Adults range from 7 to 10 inches in body size and have a blunt muzzle and small ears. The Norway rat has a scaly tail, which always is shorter than the combined length of the head and body. It usually is grayish brown. Adult droppings are up to 1/4 inch long and are capsule shaped with blunt ends.
The Norway rat is the most widely distributed rat species in Virginia. It is larger and stronger than the other species of rats. When it invades an area, it may force other species out. Norway rats live in both Virginia cities and farmyards. The Norway rat prefers food with a high protein content, such as meat, fish, cheese, pet food, and nuts. It will eat almost any food used by humans. Norway rats will hoard food, which may or may not be eaten later. Norway rats need water every day. They usually nest where water is easily found.
The Norway rat frequently nests outdoors in underground burrows. However, some rats may nest and spend their entire lives inside Virginia homes and buildings. Rats nesting outdoors will forage for food indoors at night and return to their burrows after feeding. Rats will travel 100 to 150 feet for food and water along established runways. Runways can be identified by the dirty, dark marks these rodents make where their bodies touch surfaces.
Rats are cautious. They are suspicious of new things that appear in their territory. Once Norway rats find an acceptable food source, they tend to return to and eat in those places.
Norway rats have a life span of six to 12 months. The young rats reach sexual maturity in two to five months. Adult rats can breed as often as once each month. A female rat usually has six to eight pups per litter, and she has three to six litters per year. The number of litters and young depends on the available food supply and the weather in a particular Virginia county, city or town. (Source: General Pest Control – A Guide for Pest Control Operators in Virginia).
We are experts in rat removal, rat control, rat trapping, rat extermination and rat management in Virginia. Contact us at (804) 729-0046 or toll-free at (888) 824-7383 to schedule an appointment. For additional information on Wildlife Removal & Pest Control in Virginia.