Norway Rats in Florida: Identification & Control

When you think of rats in Florida, your first thought might be roof rats, the ones that scramble across power lines and squeeze into your attic. However, another rat species, often overlooked, is just as much of a problem for homeowners: Norway rats. Also known as brown rats or sewer rats, these pests can cause serious damage and health concerns across Florida.

If you’ve noticed fresh dirt mounds near your foundation or heard scratching sounds at night, it could be a sign of a Norway rat infestation. These rats are tough, fast breeders, and more destructive than many homeowners realize.

In this article, we’ll help you learn how to identify Norway rats, what makes them different from roof rats, and what to do if you find signs of an infestation in your home.

Key Takeaways

• Norway rats are larger, ground-dwelling rodents with blunt noses, small ears, and reddish-brown fur.
• Common in Florida, they build burrows near foundations and often invade crawl spaces, basements, and attics.
• These rats pose serious health risks, including leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, and salmonella.
• Effective control involves sealing entry points, removing water and food sources, and using bait stations or calling a professional pest control company.

What Do Norway Rats Look Like?

Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are larger, heavier-bodied rodents commonly found in Florida homes, especially around foundations, crawl spaces, basements, and even inside walls. Unlike roof rats, which prefer high places, Norway rats are ground dwellers.

Key features of Norway rats:

• Blunt nose and small ears relative to their head
• Reddish-brown fur with a lighter underbelly
• Their tails are shorter than their body (unlike roof rats, whose tails are longer)
• Adult size: about 13 to 18 inches from nose to tail

Where do Norway rats live in Florida?

Florida’s warm, humid climate creates ideal conditions for rats to thrive year-round. Norway rats are often found in urban and suburban areas like West Palm Beach and South Florida neighborhoods. You’re most likely to spot them:

• Around garbage cans or compost bins
• Near pet food storage or chicken coops
• Inside attics, crawl spaces, or basements
• Tunneling in the yard, especially under palm trees or near walls

These rats are skilled diggers. They create burrows under sheds, concrete slabs, or along foundations. If you notice soft, freshly dug soil near your home’s base, you might be dealing with a Norway rat infestation.

Signs of a Norway Rat Infestation

Rats are nocturnal, so you may not spot them directly. Instead, watch for these signs:

• Droppings: Norway rat droppings are blunt on both ends and about ¾ inch long.
• Gnaw marks: Look for damage to wood, plastic, or electrical wires.
• Grease trails: Rats tend to run along walls, leaving behind oily marks.
• Noises at night: Scratching or scurrying in walls or beneath floors.
• Burrows: Tunnel openings around the perimeter of your home.
• Urine odors: A strong, musky smell, especially in enclosed areas.

Health risks of a Norway rat infestation

Rats aren’t just a nuisance, they’re a danger to your health. Norway rats can spread diseases such as:

• Leptospirosis
• Rat-bite fever
• Salmonella
• Hantavirus (less common, but still a risk in certain conditions)

They can also carry parasites like fleas, which can transmit other illnesses to humans and pets.

How do Norway rats get into your home?

Norway rats can squeeze through openings as small as a quarter. Check for gaps around vents, pipes, and foundations. Common entry points include:

• Gaps around vents and pipes
• Cracks in the foundation
• Openings near water sources or utility lines
• Unsealed doors or garage entryways

If you’ve got food available, think unsecured pet food, birdseed, or kitchen scraps; they’ll find a way in.

Norway rats vs. roof rats: What’s the difference?

Florida is home to multiple rat species, and it’s important to know what you’re dealing with.

Identifying the species correctly helps determine the best rodent control strategy.

How to get rid of Norway rats in Florida

Norway rats are tough to control once they’ve settled in. You need to take a multi-step approach to rat control:

1. Eliminate food and water sources

• Keep food in sealed containers.
• Clean up pet bowls, bird seed, and crumbs daily.
• Fix any leaky pipes or faucets.

2. Seal entry points

• Use steel wool or metal mesh to block holes.
• Check around doors, windows, and foundation vents.

3. Use traps and bait stations

• Place snap traps or tamper-resistant bait stations near suspected nesting sites or burrows.
• Avoid using bait in areas accessible to pets or children.

4. Sanitize and monitor

• Clean areas where rats have been active to remove scent trails.
• Continue to monitor for signs of activity even after you’ve removed the initial rats.

When to call professional pest control services

If you’ve tried DIY methods and are still seeing signs, or worse, hearing rats at night, it’s time to bring in help. A pest control company like Native Pest Management can:

• Inspect your home to identify entry points and nests
• Develop a targeted rodent control plan
• Safely set up and monitor bait stations
• Prevent future infestations with ongoing maintenance

We serve homeowners across South Florida, offering long-term solutions to rat problems. No gimmicks, just reliable results.

Don’t wait until it gets worse

Norway rats are persistent. If you’re seeing signs or even suspect a rat problem, take action now before it turns into a full-blown infestation.

Want peace of mind? Schedule a free inspection today with our team at Native Pest Management. We’ll help you identify the problem, seal your home, and get you back to living pest-free, without stress.