Norway Rat Control Services: Keeping Your Home Rodent-Free

Does your house have rats that are bothering you? Well, don’t worry as Express pest control is here to help. It is our goal to see the properties we serve free from such annoying pests and provide a safe and healthy living environment. Our expert team is ready for the task no matter whether you are in Port Moody, Langley, Surrey, Ottawa or Vancouver BC. 

How Do They Look Like?

Norway rats also known as brown rats have a distinctive look which makes them large-bodied rodents. Coarse grey or brown fur covers their stocky bodies. They have shaggy fur which gives them a scruffy look. These rats can grow up to 10-12 inches long not including their tail while on the subject of tails; they have scaly hairless tails shorter than their body length.

Norway Rat Control

Where Do They Live?

Norway rats are highly adaptive animals that can survive in various environments. They commonly take shelter in human-made structures like houses, warehouses or garden sheds etc. These rats are excellent climbers hence can easily move upward via pipes and ductworks and across wall openings. They nest in places where they can be hidden such as basements, attics and crawl spaces.

Norway Rat Life Cycle

In relation to Norway rats’ life cycle, understanding it helps in coming up with an effective control strategy for them. Their life cycle has four stages; birth, growth, reproduction and death.

Birth: Litters of the Norway rats usually contain approximately 6-12 puppies. The puppies are born without hair and eyes so they rely on their mother for warmth and sustenance.

Growth: After about two weeks of growth the pups develop fur and open their eyes. They start exploring their environment and by the time they are three weeks old they are able to consume solid food.

Reproduction: At about three months old, Norway rats reach sexual maturity. Females can breed every three weeks leading to a rapid increase in population if not controlled.

Death: In nature, a Norway rat lives for just about an average of one year. They can survive up to their third year under ideal conditions with enough food, water, and shelter.

Signs of Norway Rat Infestation

Early identification of signs indicating a Norway rat infestation is vital for timely and effective control. These are some common signs:

Droppings: Dark brown rat droppings often look like small capsules or sausages. Presence of faeces near kitchens or pantries clearly indicates an infestation. Gnaw Marks: Their solid teeth make it possible for these rats to gnaw on wood, plastic, and electrical wires. It is important to look for gnaw marks on furniture, walls and food packaging.

Tracks and Grease Marks: In leaving greasy marks along walls and baseboards, Norway rats’ paths are repeatedly traced with the same lines. These marks are caused by the oils and dirt carried by their fur rubbing against surfaces.

Norway Rat Control

Nests: Paper, cloth, insulation are common materials used in making nests for Norway rats. Check attics and crawl spaces for potential nesting sites.

Strange Noises: Since rats are nocturnal creatures, hearing scratching, scurrying or squeaking noise in the walls or ceiling at night is a strong indication of an infestation.

Once you observe any of these signs it becomes essential that you urgently seek professional rat control services to save your property from further damage.

Are Norway Rats Dangerous?

Norway rats can be dangerous to humans and property in several ways. Here are some of the key reasons why one should control rats:

Transmission of Diseases: Some of the harmful diseases that are contributed by Norway rats include Leptospirosis, Hantavirus, Salmonellosis among others. They can spread diseases through contaminated food and water sources which may pose health risks to humans.

Structural Damage: Electric wiring, pipes or wood structures can easily be eaten through by these rodents due to their strong teeth. This kind of behavior causes expensive damage to properties and increases the chances of causing fires and water damages.

Allergies and Asthma: Rat droppings and urine can trigger allergies and worsen asthmatic conditions. Inhaling particles that are air bound from infested areas could be harmful to your health.

Reputation and Hygiene Concerns: Businesses, restaurants, and residential properties can suffer great reputation loss as a result of rat infestations. A clean, pest-free environment is important for maintaining a good image and hygiene standards.

Norway Rat Prevention

Preventing Norway rats is crucial. These ways can reduce the likelihood of invasion:

Seal Entry Points: Check your compound for any openings which rats may use to enter. Block holes, cracks, or crevices in the foundation, walls, or eaves using materials like metal meshes or caulk.

Sanitation: Make sure your surroundings are clean and no food is available. Put food in air-tight containers, clean spills immediately, seal garbage properly and dispose it regularly.

Landscaping: Trim down any overgrown trees or bushes near where you live. Rats are excellent climbers that will make use of vegetation as a bridge into your property. 

Clean Up: Eliminate potential hiding places in attics, basements and storage spaces. Use sealed plastic containers for the organization of items whenever possible.

Rat Control Professionals: Regularly schedule professional rat control services to inspect your property for early signs of infestation and implement effective control measures if necessary. Toronto, Vancouver, Surrey, Ottawa and other places are some of the areas where Express Pest Control operates its top-notch services. Our experienced team has the tools and knowledge to make sure your home remains free of these rodents.

These preventive measures will ensure that you live in a rodent-free environment when adhered to with the assistance of professionals.

End Note

Do not let them invade your homes and endangering your lives, prevent Norway rats from taking over by employing Express Pest Control’s specialized Norway Rat Control Services tailored to suit individual needs. We have a dedicated team based in Toronto among other areas who are ready to confront rat infestations head-on. This pest entry highlights identification, distribution, habitat life cycle, behavior and health risks associated with Norway rats as they invade properties. Always remember that early intervention through expert advice is key to successful rat control systems. Contact Express Pest Control today and bid farewell to unwanted houseguests.