25-50 cm – Grey to brown
Mammal – High risk
Rat
The Norway rat is an intelligent and prolific rodent. With its sharp teeth, it causes considerable property damage and represents a major health hazard.
§1Distinctive features
How to identify it
The Norway rat measures up to 50 cm, including its tail, and weighs 130 to 500 g. Coat is gray to brown above, lighter below. With its 16 sharp teeth, it gnaws concrete, wood and cables. Highly intelligent, they quickly learn to avoid traps and live in organized groups.
§2Habitat
Where to find it
It settles in homes, basements, cellars, sewers and fields. They enter houses through pipes, cracks and crawl spaces. They dig burrows and can travel up to 3 km per night in search of food.
§3Reproduction
Lifecycle
Without intervention, an infestation can double in size in just a few weeks.
§4What to look out for
Signs of infestation
- Excrement (1-2 cm) in nooks and crannies
- Persistent unpleasant odors
- Gnawed food and wires
- Holes in walls or crawl spaces
- Travelling noise at night
§5Why act fast
Risks
- Disease transmission (leptospirosis, salmonellosis)
- Gnaws on electrical wires - fire hazard
- Extensive damage to structures and infrastructure
- 4 to 6 litters per year of 6 to 8 young: rapid proliferation
§6Prevention
How to avoid it
- Caulk cracks and access to pipes
- Check and maintain pipes in good condition
- Store food in airtight jars
- Good household waste management
- Maintain a short lawn and avoid long grass
- Install traps at the first sign of trouble
§7Pro method
How MW works
Inspection
Home location and assessment.
Preparation
Customized plan – pre-intervention measurements.
Treatment
Locate main and satellite nests, treat with non-repellent baits.
Follow-up
Inspection visit – written guarantee.
§8We answer you
Frequently asked questions
How can you tell a rat from a mouse?
Rats are much larger (25-50 cm), with 1-2 cm droppings and larger entrance holes (5 cm and more).
Can rats get into toilets?
Yes, sewer rats can crawl up pipes. Pipe maintenance is crucial.
How do you get rid of them?
A professional exterminator is essential, combined with caulking and removal of food sources.
React quickly, sleep well.
The longer the infestation lasts, the more expensive it becomes.