Norway rats, or brown rats, have brown coloring with scattered black hairs and grayish-white underbellies. As adults, these rodents can grow up to twelve inches long – which is bigger than their counterpart, the roof rat.
Throughout the centuries, Norway rats have almost always lived in close proximity to humans, and they can be found on every continent except Antarctica. These pests are scavengers, and if they stumble upon your home, Norway rats won’t hesitate to use them for food, water, and warm shelter.
Unfortunately, the relationship that Norway rats have with humans is one-sided. Here’s what Lincoln homeowners should understand about the dangers and destruction that Norway rats bring into homes, how to prevent them, and what to do if you’re currently dealing with rats in your home.
How Dangerous Are Norway Rats In Lincoln?
Lincoln homes may provide them with shelter, food, and water, but Norway rats only bring destruction and diseases with them. Some of the health risks that Norway rats pose to people include:
- Rat-bite fever: Rat-bite fever, or RBF, can lead to fever, chills, and a spreading rash after infection.
- Salmonellosis: If they contaminate your food, Norway rats have the potential to spread dangerous bacteria like salmonella.
- Plague: While it may not be as common, Norway rats were originally linked to the plague, and they still have the potential to spread it to humans.
In addition to the diseases listed above, there’s always the risk that Norway rats can bring other pests with them – like fleas and ticks – which can also be dangerous for you and your pets.
Aside from the health concerns, rats can also be incredibly destructive. It’s not uncommon for these pests to chew through parts of your siding, walls, or even your insulation to make their nests or find a hiding spot.
How To Prevent Norway Rats In Lincoln
As clever as Norway rats may be, there are certain prevention tips you can use to encourage them to steer clear of your home, such as:
Norway rats are capable of squeezing through holes that are the size of a quarter, so you’ll want to seal any tiny holes or gaps that you may find in your foundation, walls, attics, or basements with a material that they can’t chew through (glass, metal, and steel wool are all good options).
- Get rid of clutter throughout your house that may provide Norway rats with a hiding spot.
- Remove potential attractions by sealing leftovers in airtight containers, cleaning up after meals, and not leaving food out.
- Deal with drainage issues around your home, including leaky pipes or flooded gutters.
- Using these steps to prevent Norway rats is far preferable to dealing with an infestation.
How To Solve A Norway Rat Problem In Lincoln
Norway rats are unlikely to leave if they’ve got a good setup on your property, which is why it’s important to call the professionals if you’ve got an active Norway rat problem. Our experienced professionals will use effective and eco-friendly treatments to get and keep your home rat-free.
If you think you’re dealing with Norway rats or you’re just looking for more prevention tips, don’t wait to call – contact us at Pro Active Pest Control to learn more about our rodent control services.