Norway Rat Facts and Information

Rodents are much more than a nuisance. They can chew through electrical wiring, creating a serious fire hazard, contaminate stored food, and spread bacteria, parasites, and viruses through their droppings, urine, and saliva. In some cases, rodents can carry diseases such as Hantavirus Pulmonary Syndrome, which can be transmitted by breathing in airborne particles from contaminated rodent droppings or urine. The property damage and potential health risks often far outweigh what most people expect from "just a mouse."

Look for droppings, gnaw marks on wood or wiring, greasy rub marks along walls, and scratching sounds at night, especially in attics and wall voids. Seeing even one rodent during the day often means there's an established population you haven't fully detected yet.

Roof rats are excellent climbers, often nesting in attics and upper structures, and can scale walls and tree branches with ease. Norway rats are larger, prefer ground level or below, and burrow extensively, sometimes undermining foundations. House mice are far smaller and can squeeze through holes as small as a quarter-inch.

Rodents are drawn to easy access to food, water, and shelter — and your home offers all three. Older homes with exterior cracks, properties near active construction, and sudden weather changes can all increase rodent activity nearby.