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NORWAY
RAT
![[Larger view of a Norway rat]](images/norwayrat_med.jpg)
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Description:
Similar to the
roof rat but larger and chunkier. The tail is shorter than length
of head and body. On average, total body length is 444 millimeters;
tail, 205 millimeters; hind foot, 46 millimeters; weight, 400
to 500 grams.
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Why
be concerned?
The Norway rat,
along with roof rats and house mice, are known as commensal rodents-"one
who eats at the same table." The largest of these rodents,
Norway rats consume and contaminate large quantities of food each
year. They also damage structures and even cause fires by gnawing
on electrical wiring. Rodents carry transmittable diseases, and
droppings and urine can create considerable biohazard.
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What
you can do.
The best way to
eliminate rodent problems is through exclusion. Discourage rodents
from establishing outside: keep your yard free of debris; trim
back vegetation from around the structure and roof; keep bird
feeders away from the structure; regularly clean spilled bird
feed. Block access to your structure: check that crawl space doors
fit tightly and are in good condition; check that the vents are
in tact; repair access points in the foundation and roof.
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What
we would do.
Again, exclusion
is the key. Following a thorough inspection, all access points
would be sealed, contamination removed from your crawl space and/or
attic, and traps set in areas of interior activity. For outside
rodent populations, your technician may install locked rodent
bait stations, which are secured to the ground.
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| Picture
courtesy of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. |
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