Norway Rats in Georgia
Health RiskMedium
Damage RiskMedium
NuisanceMedium
How to Identify Norway Rats
Large pest rodents characterized by their coarse fur, long scaly tails, and strong burrowing behavior, often creating extensive tunnel systems and moving through concealed runways in and around structures.
- Actual Size 7 to 10 inches long (body), plus an additional long tail
- Characteristics Stocky, powerful rodents with coarse features, small ears, and blunt muzzles.
- Coloration Brown to gray-brown coat with a lighter underside and a long, scaly tail.
What Do Norway Rats Do?
Norway rats seek a wide range of food sources, including grains, garbage, meat, and stored goods, and live in burrows, sewers, and other hidden nesting sites. As they travel, they often leave droppings, grease marks, and gnaw damage on structures and materials.
- They are excellent burrowers and often build extensive underground tunnel systems near building foundations, riverbanks, and sewers.
- Omnivores and will eat almost anything, including grains, garbage, meat, and pet food.
- Can cause significant property damage by gnawing on wood, plastic, insulation, and even electrical wiring.
- They are known carriers of various pathogens and can contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine.
Where Do You Find Norway Rats?
Typically found in locations that provide shelter and consistent food availability, giving them safe pathways for foraging and nesting. Common places you’ll find Norway rats include:
- Sewer systems and storm drains
- Basements and crawl spaces
- Alleyways and areas near dumpsters
- Warehouses and storage facilities
- Farms and barns
- Riverbanks and other water-adjacent environments
- Restaurants and commercial kitchens
- Areas with debris piles or discarded materials
What Should I Do If I Have Norway Rats in Georgia?
Often live in and around buildings, garbage areas, farms, and waterways where food sources and nesting sites are plentiful. Their activity can lead to structural damage and sanitation issues. When Norway rats become a problem, the following actions are recommended:
- Seal entry points around foundations, doors, vents, pipes, and utility lines to prevent rats from getting inside.
- Store all food in sealed, rodent-proof containers and avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
- Remove clutter, debris piles, and excess vegetation that can provide hiding places and nesting sites.
- Secure trash bins with tight-fitting lids and dispose of garbage regularly to reduce food attractants.
- Eliminate standing water sources such as leaking pipes, clogged drains, or open containers.
- Set traps in areas of known activity, focusing on walls, corners, and dark travel paths.
- Contact a professional rodent control service for severe or persistent infestations to ensure effective removal.
Top 5 FAQs About Norway Rats in Georgia
Have questions about Norway rats or dealing with an infestation? Explore the FAQs below. If you have additional questions, contact us by phone or email.
Are Norway rats dangerous?
Yes, they can pose health risks by contaminating food and surfaces with droppings, urine, and bacteria.
What kind of damage do Norway rats cause?
They can chew through wood, plastic, insulation, and even electrical wiring, which may lead to structural damage and fire hazards.
How can I tell if I have Norway rats?
Signs include droppings, gnaw marks, burrows near foundations, greasy rub marks, and scratching or movement sounds at night.
Do Norway rats come inside homes?
Yes, they often enter homes and buildings in search of food, water, and shelter, especially during colder months.
How do you get rid of Norway rats?
Effective control includes sealing entry points, removing food and water sources, using traps, and contacting a professional rodent control service for severe infestations.
