The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus) is known by many alternate names: the sewer rat, brown rat, water rat, wharf rat, and gray rat are a few examples. This rat is considered common across the United States. Norway rats will typically nest in the ground, in wall cavities, or under discarded materials in your yard or garage.

How do I identify a Norway rat?

• Blunt nose, small ears, and small eyes
• Brown fur lightens toward the underside
• Tail and ears are hairless and covered in scales
• Tail is short compared to body
• Larger rats, up to 18 inches long. Weighs 12-16 ounces (or weights up to 1lb)

What do Norway rats eat?

Norway rats eat a variety of foods but prefer proteins and carbohydrates. Food items from household garbage provide these rats with a balanced diet. They will eat meats, fish, cereal grains, livestock feed, and fresh fruits. They will also kill and eat various small reptiles, mammals, birds, and insects.

Norway rats need an abundant supply of water for survival (roughly 10% of their body weight every day). If infesting the inside of your home, they will seek out water from toilets, sinks, and even condensation collecting on utility pipes. Outdoors, they will search for areas where water collects, like rain puddles.