Norway Rat Control in Warminster, PA

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Why Norway Rats Are a
Serious Problem

Norway rats are large rodents that often rely on human environments for food, water, and shelter. Known for spreading diseases and causing property damage, these pests require professional rodent control to prevent infestations in Warminster homes and businesses.

What Do Norway Rats Look Like?

These rodents are large and bulky, with coarse brown or dark gray fur. They can grow up to 15 inches long from nose to tail and weigh as much as two pounds. Unlike other rodents, Norway rats have:

A tail that is shorter than their body
Large, hairless ears
Oversized eyes
Capsule-shaped droppings

What Do Norway Rats Eat?

Norway rats are omnivorous and eat a wide variety of foods, but they prefer:

Meat, fruit, grains, nuts, and fish
Scavenged food from trash receptacles
Packaged food stored in pantries

They have been known to chew through food packaging and contaminate stored goods.

Where Do Norway Rats Live?

These rats burrow into and under buildings, causing structural damage. They also:

Chew through wood, plastic, electrical wires, and pipes
Increase the risk of fires and water leaks
Contaminate food with saliva, urine, and feces

Are Norway Rats Aggressive?

While they are mostly nocturnal and avoid humans, Norway rats can be territorial and may bite if they feel threatened. They are more aggressive toward other rats than toward people.

Do Norway Rats Carry Diseases?

Yes, Norway rats are known carriers of various diseases, including:

Rat-bite fever: Can be transmitted through bites or contaminated food/water
Salmonellosis: A form of food poisoning with fever, diarrhea, and cramps
Leptospirosis and Murine Typhus: May cause fever, nausea, muscle pain, and other severe symptoms

These illnesses require immediate medical attention.

How to Detect a Norway Rat Infestation

Watch for these signs of rat activity:

Capsule-shaped droppings (up to ¾ inch long)
Smudge marks along walls and baseboards
Gnaw marks on wood, plastic, and paper
Damaged food packaging
Rustling, squeaking, or climbing noises inside walls
Outdoor burrows near building foundations

How to Prevent Norway Rats

Follow these steps to reduce the risk of infestation:

Seal all gaps larger than ½ inch with caulk
Use concrete, mortar, or metal mesh for larger openings
Install screens on vents and chimneys
Keep outdoor trash cans tightly sealed
Store food in metal or glass containers
Keep thick vegetation away from foundations
Store wood piles away from buildings
Seal bird seed and pet food in containers
Regularly clean up pet droppings from yards

How to Get Rid of Norway Rats

Effective rodent control involves a combination of:

Traps: Snap traps, electronic traps, and live traps
Baits: Professional-grade poison baits (placed safely away from pets and children)
Exclusion: Sealing entry points to prevent re-infestation

For the best results, trust a licensed professional.