Not only are rats vectors for diseases such as the plague, leptospirosis, and salmonellosis, but they can cause a considerable amount of damage to a home. Rats can gnaw on electrical wire and wood structures such as doors, ledges, corners, and wall material. They can also tear up insulation in walls and ceilings for nesting.

Not all rats are created equally. There are two different species of rats that wreak havoc on homes. The Norway rat and the roof rat. Your home could be providing these pests the resources that they need to thrive. Food, water, and shelter. Though they have the same basic needs, the approach to controlling them will be different.

Below is a profile of the Norway rat and ways to prevent this pest from infesting your home or property.

Identification	Gray to a blackish or reddish brown. Stocky and typically with an average size of 16 inches from head to end of tail. Average weight ranges from about 9 oz for females and 12 oz for males
Behavior	Norway rats are nocturnal, with most of their feeding occurring between sunset and sunrise. Norway rats are omnivores and will feed on any available food, including waste. Neophobic, or fearful of new things Typically migrate within 25-100 feet of their nest while foraging.
Habitat	Will nest in basements and lower parts of buildings. Burrow in soil and are able to gnaw through wood, lead, aluminum, copper, cinder block and unsecured concrete. Burrows can be found near foundations and under vegetation. Nests are often lined with fibrous material like shredded cloth or paper.
Life Cycle	Become sexually mature at 3-5 months old and females go into heat every 4-5 days. The gestation period is 21 days, after which females birth typically a dozen young. Females can produce 4-7 litters per year. Adults usually live 9-12 months.
Seasonality	Breeds year round with peaks in spring and fall
Favorable Conditions	Poor sanitation provides rats with ample quantities of food to sustain large numbers of rats. Improperly stored food and waste allows another food resource for rat populations to flourish on. Pet foods are a common meal for rats and should be stored properly as well. Clutter and improper storage practices provide abundant hiding places, nesting sites, and travel routes for rats. Dense vegetation and ground cover can act as excellent nests and rat highways.
Health Concerns	Rats contaminate food and eating utensils Rats can transfer diseases bite, from vectors like fleas or mites on the rat, or contamination from feces or urine.
Signs of an infestation	Droppings and urine stains near trash bins. Rub marks on walls and pipes. Nesting material such as paper or cloths. Burrows leading to the structure or in an open space next to the structure. Gnaw marks on doors, electrical wires, or trash bins.

What You Can Do To Prevent A Norway Rat Infestation

• Store bags of pet food, bird seed, and grass seed in rodent-proof containers, or at the very least, inspect them often for any signs of gnawing.
• Pick up fallen fruit and nuts from trees daily.
• Never leave uneaten pet food inside or outdoors for any length of time. You cannot count on dogs or cats to keep rats away.
• Fix leaky plumbing and eliminate any unnecessary standing water.
• Dispose of all garbage in dumpsters or garbage cans with tight fitting lids that are kept closed.
• Reduce clutter and debris by using proper storage techniques.
• Trim tree branches 3 to 6 feet away from the building and trim vines, bushes, grass, and weeds at least 2 feet from all buildings to decrease cover for rodent runways, to prevent hidden access.
• Eliminate dense plantings or break them up with pathways, stretches of lawn, or very low groundcover.
• Avoid large expanses of low groundcover that could allow rats to run for long distances without being seen.
• Seal large and small holes both inside and out. Also seal where pipes and wires enter the structure. Seal small holes with steel or copper wool and caulk.
• Seal vents with ¼ inch hardware cloth.

What You Can Do When Roof Rats Are Inside Your Home

• Use snap traps and place them along walls, rodent pathways, and in other protected areas like behind objects.
• For bait, use food the rats are already eating or for Norway rats use pieces of hot dog, bacon, liver, peanut butter, or nutmeats.
• Move objects around to funnel rats into traps.
• Monitor traps regularly and frequently, and keep bait fresh. Rats avoid old or rancid bait.
• Exclusion methods are favored over any chemical means. Rodenticides can pose hazards to non target animals, including children and dogs. Poisoned rodents may also die in inaccessible places and cause odor and fly problems.