PestDex Details
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus
rodent
Large burrowing rat endemic to DC alleys and Baltimore waterfront. Aggressive and destructive.
How to Identify
- •Brown, 7–9 inches body + shorter tail
- •Blunt nose, small ears
- •Burrows in soil (holes 2–3 inches)
- •Droppings ¾ inch, blunt ends
Where Found
Burrows along foundations, under trash pads, in alleys. DC's alley rat population is nationally known. Enters basements through foundation cracks and gaps around pipes.
Seasonality
Year-round. Breeding peaks spring and fall. Cold drives them indoors.
Health & Property Risk
Leptospirosis, plague, rat-bite fever. Aggressive if cornered. Gnaws through wood, plastic, soft concrete. Contaminates food and surfaces. Major public health concern in cities.
Prevention Tips
- •Eliminate outdoor food sources (trash, compost, pet food)
- •Seal foundation openings ½ inch or larger
- •Install rodent-proof trash enclosures
- •Remove debris piles and dense vegetation
- •Fix plumbing leaks and drainage issues
Treatment Notes
Bait stations secured outdoors. Burrow treatment. Traps in active pathways. Requires exclusion work — they'll keep coming if entry points open. City-wide programs in DC.