The Norway rat is the large brown rat that burrows at ground level around foundations, crawlspaces, and trash areas. It is the most common commensal rat in the Southeast.

How to identify the Norway Rat

Heavy-bodied and brown-gray, 7–10 inches in the body with a shorter, thick tail, small ears, and a blunt nose. Droppings are capsule-shaped with blunt ends.

Behavior & biology

Ground-dwelling and neophobic — wary of new objects — they burrow, follow established runways, and gnaw constantly to keep incisors in check. They are strong swimmers and enter through sewer lines and gaps.

Why Norway Rats are a problem

They contaminate food, gnaw wiring and structural materials (a fire risk), and carry pathogens. A colony grows quickly once a food source is established.

Signs of an infestation

Capsule droppings, greasy rub marks along walls, gnaw marks, burrow openings near foundations, and nighttime scratching.

How we handle Norway Rats in the CSRA

Canine detection locates hidden activity inside walls and voids that traps miss — see our K9 rodent detection. We pair findings with our rodent control program. Call 803-226-3155 to schedule. See more in our pest library.