Brown Rats | Norway Rats

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus), also known as sewer rats or brown rats, are a common pest problem throughout North and South Carolina, especially in urban and commercial environments. Known for their size and destructive behavior, these rodents can cause significant damage to structures, contaminate food supplies, and pose serious health risks to employees and customers.

Norway rats or brown rats were first introduced to Eastern Europe in the early 1700s; by the turn of the 19th century, they were in every European country and had sailed across the Atlantic to the New World as well. These animals used to prefer forests and areas with heavy brush, but now, they make their homes near or with humans where food is abundant.

What Do Norway Rats Look Like?

Norway rats are large, heavy-bodied rodents, measuring 13-18 inches long from nose to tail. They have coarse brown or gray fur, a blunt nose, small ears, and a scaly tail that is shorter than their body length. Unlike roof rats, which are sleeker and more agile, Norway rats are more likely to burrow and stay near ground level.

How Do They Get Into Your Business?

These rats are highly resourceful and can squeeze through openings as small as a half-inch. In the Carolinas, they often enter businesses through:

• Gaps under doors and loading docks

• Cracks in foundations or walls

• Sewer lines and drainage systems

• Openings around utility pipes or vents

Once inside, they quickly establish nests in storage areas, basements, and wall voids—anywhere they can stay hidden and warm.

What Attracts Norway Rats?

Norway rats are drawn to places with easy access to food, water, and shelter. In commercial settings, this includes:

• Trash bins and dumpsters not properly sealed

• Pet food, grain, or stored products in warehouses or restaurants

• Leaky pipes or standing water

• Cluttered storage areas that provide nesting materials and hiding places

Once they find a reliable food source, they can multiply rapidly, creating a full-blown infestation in a matter of weeks.

Similar Pests: House Mice, Roof Rats, Brown Rats