From the east coast to the west coast and everywhere in between, rats are a common rodent found in the U.S. People will come across rats at some point since there are many types of rats and some species are more common than others in different areas of the country. Rats are one of the worst types of rodents in San Antonio, TX. Structure and utility line repair replace food storage and insulation are due to rats cost homeowners and businesses addition to spreading serious ailments and diseases. Often seen the in peripherals, rats are elusive, and people only catch glimpses. Since Norway rats are one of the most common rats in San Antonio, TX, we at A Five Star Termite and Pest Control would like to share some basics of Norway Rats.
Norway Rat Size & Characteristics
Norway rats are fairly identifiable due to their blunt muzzle and have short scaly tails. Also, these rats have lighter colors of gray or white undersides with primarily course brown and gray fur. Norway rats grow to 12 ½ – 18 ½ inches in length and weigh around 10 to 11 ¾ ounces. These rats scurry on all fours all around in the world and believed to have originated from Asia. The dropping temperatures, the scarcer food and water, and escaping predators are generally why Norway rats moving into homes and business, and though fall tends to be the height of their activity, they can invade any time of year.
Norway Rat Burrows & Holes in Yard
Burrowing close to one another, Norway rats live socially and do daily activities together. There are likely many more if you see one Norway rat. If they come inside, they will look for undisturbed locations to nest, usually congregating under clutter and debris found in basements. Norway rats prefer to burrow loose soil under clutter such as garbage and wood pile around concrete slabs and alongside riverbanks.
Norway Rat Damage & Diseases
Having powerful gnawing capabilities, most homeowners learn they have Norway rats as they destroy electrical wires and plumbing pipes along with clearly gnawed structure damage. With their incredible gnawing capabilities that get through plastic and lead, they can easily get past food packaging such as cardboard, paper, and flimsy plastics. Norway rats will pilfer the food they want, and the rest is contaminated due to their bodily waste or other bacteria that has attached to their body. In addition to such diseases as rat-bite fever, the plague, cowpox virus, salmonellosis, jaundice, and trichinosis the rats transmit, Norway rats are known to carry fleas as well, so people can be affected by the flea-borne ailment.
Rodent Pest Inspections, Control, Removal, Exclusion & More in Canyon Lake, Spring Branch, Bulverde, Timberwood Park, Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, New Braunfels, Selma, Live Oak, Converse, Universal City, Cibolo, Seguin, New Berlin, St Hedwig, Adkins, La Vernia, Elmendorf, Losoya, Von Ormy, Macdona & San Antonio, Texas
To reduce Norway rat invasions, simple housekeeping, trimming back vegetation, controlling clutter, and storing your food in air-tight containers in addition adequate sealing precautions of your home and preventative pest control services. In addition to your own efforts, contact A Five Star Termite and Pest Control and let us help you prevent rodent infestations or eliminate any current rodent and pest problems in your Greater San Antonio, Texas home or business.
