Norway rats are almost universally hated. The pests have no redeeming quality, and they provoke disgust and even cause fear in many people. However, just how dangerous are these rats? Let’s find out.
What do Norway rats look like?
When you see a Norway rat, you’ll know it. It can grow to be 18 inches long and reach weights of a pound, with brown or gray fur. If that’s not bad enough, they have slimy fur, which leaves grease marks on whichever surface it touches.
The damage that a Norway rat can do
Norway rats are not just an eye sore, they can do considerable damage to the home. Due to their nesting habits, they will destroy the insulation, and use the material as bedding. On top of that, they have to constantly gnaw on something, since their teeth never stop growing, so they will leave gnaw marks all over the home. If that’s not bad enough, there’s more. They will also chew through electrical wiring, which can lead to power outages and even electrical fires.
Health hazards
Rats are notorious for being filthy animals and carrying dozens of diseases. A single rat, if it has a pathogen, is able to contaminate the food supply and lead to the spread of diseases such as salmonellosis. Rats can also spread diseases through the parasites that they carry. Fleas, ticks, and mites can transfer diseases from rats to humans and pet animals. On top of that, rats also spread diseases through their urine, feces, saliva and through direct contact. This is why it’s essential to get rid of a rat infestation as soon as you notice the first signs of their presence.
How to remove a Norway rat infestation in the home
As we can see, Norway rat infestations are no joke, and to remove them, you will need the help of a pro. Rats are quite intelligent and they will avoid traps and poisons if they are not placed properly. As such, the best approach to removing a Norway rat infestation is to work with a pro, who will be able to get an infestation removed completely as quickly as possible. DIY efforts will often result in an incomplete removal, which will allow the rats to repopulate, and restart the infestation. Contact us today if you have a Norway rat infestation and we will set up an appointment to remove it.
