West Palm Beach Property Owner's Guide To Norway Rats

September 18, 2020

In today’s world, we often compare people and things of ill repute to rats. Perhaps the reason for this is because rats have long been unwelcome guests in people’s homes and businesses as they spread disease and cause damage with their infestations. Unfortunately for us here in West Palm Beach, rats - specifically Norway rats - are still wreaking havoc on people’s properties in the area.

It is so important for you to know the best methods for preventing Norway rats from infesting your property. Additionally, to limit your exposure, you should know what to do should you find yourself dealing with an infestation. Otherwise, you and your family’s health could be at risk.

How To Identify Norway Rats

Norway rats are large rodents that can grow up to 9 ½ inches long. They are predominantly brown in color, however, their underbellies are usually off-white or gray. These rats have long, hairless tails and small ears.

Like all rodents, Norway rats have large front incisors that grow constantly throughout their lives. Due to this, Norway rats have to always be chewing on objects, or else their teeth will grow to be too long. As such, Norway rats are capable of causing all sorts of damage to the interior of your home if they do infest it.

They are quite adept and fit through relatively tiny holes which means they can be quite tricky to get rid of if they do infest your home.

Norway rats can be found almost everywhere on Earth. Outside, they can often be found in brush, debris, or sewers. Inside, they will usually infest basements, cellars, and other cluttered areas on the ground or lower floors.

Threats Posed By Norway Rats

Norway rats, like many rodents, are known to spread a plethora of disease-causing bacteria and pathogens. They spread these bacteria and pathogens as they move about your home, contaminating countertops, dishes, and even food if it has been left out.

Norway rats can also spread harmful bacteria with their feces, urine, and saliva. The diseases that they have been known to carry and spread include rat-bite fever, salmonellosis, jaundice, cowpox virus, and trichinosis.

In addition to carrying and spreading harmful diseases, Norway rats can also be carriers of other parasitic pests such as fleas, ticks, and mites. If such is the case, they can then introduce these additional pests into your home, compounding your problems.

Norway Rat Prevention Tips

In order to prevent Norway rats from infesting your home, measures should be taken to prevent the possibility. The following are some preventive measures that can be taken:

• Store all food in air-tight containers or the refrigerator.
• Wipe up any spills or crumbs immediately.
• Take out the trash regularly.
• Store trash in bins with tightly-sealed lids.
• Cover or fill in any holes or gaps to your home.
• Control any excess clutter.

The Most Effective Norway Rat Solution

In the unfortunate, but possible, circumstance that you do find yourself facing a Norway rat infestation, give the trained pest experts at Native Pest Management a call immediately.

We have the experience and the expertise required to effectively remove any rat infestation from your West Palm Beach home with which you might be dealing. Additionally, we will work with you to ensure your home is protected from future pest infestations.

Don’t let Norway rats threaten the health and safety of your family. Give us a call today!