The Norway rat, also known as the brown rat, might be one of the most notoriously difficult pests to have plagued humankind for centuries. These rats are very adaptable, and they have learned over the years that living near humans gives them easy access to food. Since they are known for having voracious appetites, it’s no surprise that these omnivores often live in homes and businesses where they can find lots to eat.
It’s estimated that these rats originally came from Asia, but they spread over the centuries to Europe and then to the Americas in part because they are great swimmers who were able to survive on ships. While the history of Norway rats is long and interesting, they are unfortunately still a difficult pest to deal with today, and they are one of the most common home-invading pests in Fort Worth. Norway rats are a brown or grey color and have short, scaly tails and small, scaly ears. They can reach up to 15 inches long including their tails, and they generally live near ground level as they aren’t good climbers.
Why Norway Rats Are A Serious Pest Problem
Finding Norway Rats in Fort Worth, whether around a business or home, can be rather stressful. While you probably know that rats are considered an unclean pest, you may not realize just how destructive and dangerous they can be.
Having Norway rats can lead to considerable property damage as they have an instinct to constantly chew on things. This is because rats and other rodents have incisors that grow continuously, so they need to grind these teeth down through incessant gnawing. They can damage many materials including wood, plastic, drywall, wires, and pipes.
Repairing property damage is stressful and expensive, but the health concerns Norway rats pose are even more troubling. First of all, Norway rats themselves carry diseases like salmonella and trichinosis, but they also frequently carry parasites such as fleas that carry their own host of diseases. Rats can also cause allergies and asthma issues, and their feces can lead to respiratory problems when it builds up inside of walls.
Easy Ways To Prevent Norway Rats
Along with the other issues Norway rats bring, they are also especially difficult to prevent because they can wiggle through holes as small as a quarter. They can also chew through plumbing, drywall, and wood to create bigger spaces and get inside. So, while it is difficult to keep them out, you can still follow these four steps to decrease the risk of an infestation:
- Seal up areas where pipes and wiring attach to a building using steel wool and caulking.
- Remove underlying issues that attract rats by keeping kitchen areas cleaned and free of food and drink spills.
- Since rats often come to properties looking for an easy meal, store any pet food indoors and in airtight containers.
- Always keep outdoor trash cans covered with a secure lid.
How Can You Get Rid Of Norway Rats Safely?
While it’s helpful to take steps on your own to deter Norway rats, once they get inside they are very difficult to remove. Since these rodents put your health and the health of others around you at risk, the safest and most effective way to deal with them is through help from the experts at Romney Pest Control.
With over 15 years of experience preventing and controlling rodent problems in the Fort Worth area, you can rely on our professional pest control services to eliminate the entire infestation. Discover more about our flexible service options, or request a free quote, by contacting us at (214) 273-1785.
