Norway Rats in Cleveland
Norway rats are stout, heavy-bodied rodents that are larger and more aggressive than their relative, the roof rat or black rat. These commensal rodents are found throughout the United States, relying on human habitats for survival. They have a varied diet, eating almost anything but preferring cereal grains, meats, fish, nuts, and some fruits. As with most rodents, Norway rats show increased activity about an hour after sunset and just before dawn. Additionally, they are adept climbers and swimmers, making it easier for them to infiltrate various environments. Norway rats also spread serious diseases such as jaundice, rat-bite fever, and salmonella. Their adaptable nature allows them to thrive in urban, suburban, and rural settings alike.
Norway Rat Habitat
Norway rats burrow into the ground, making tunnels that are 2 to 3 inches in diameter and up to 6 ½ feet long. These burrows are constructed outdoors, usually next to foundations and gardens. They are commonly found in and around homes, garages, sheds, commercial buildings, warehouses, sewers, alleys, landfills, junk yards, ravines, and farm buildings. Norway rats are nocturnal, entering homes at night to find food and returning to their burrows. Indoor nests are typically found in basements and crawl spaces, but with a large population, they may also nest in the upper parts of a house or building. Their presence can often be detected by the characteristic musky odor they emit.
Norway Rat Behaviors, Threats, or Dangers
Norway rats can damage foundations, slabs, garden crops, and plants as they burrow and gnaw in search of food and shelter. They can fit through openings as small as a quarter. Inside homes, they can cause significant damage when nesting in walls and attics. Reports of rodents starting fires by gnawing on electrical wires are common. Exposed wires chewed through by rats can spark and ignite interior walls. While foraging, they consume and contaminate food intended for humans, pets, and livestock. These rats spread numerous diseases, including salmonella, leptospirosis, and rat-bite fever. Their rapid reproduction rates exacerbate these problems, leading to larger infestations if not controlled promptly.
If you have a Norway rat infestation in your Cleveland property, always contact a licensed rodent control company.
