About Norway Rats

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are heavy-bodied rodents, typically 7–9 inches long with brown fur, blunt snouts, and scaly tails shorter than their bodies. They burrow in soil, basements, and sewers, making Boston’s older neighborhoods and urban infrastructure ideal habitats.

Risks & Concerns

Norway rats gnaw on wood, wiring, and pipes, leading to structural damage and potential fire hazards. They contaminate food and surfaces with droppings and urine and are known carriers of diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. Their aggressive nature makes them a public health concern.

Prevention & Control

Eliminate food sources by sealing trash and storing food properly. Close entry points larger than ½ inch and reduce clutter that provides nesting spots. Due to their adaptability and rapid breeding, infestations typically require professional rodent control programs.