Norway Rat
This may seem like an exotic name but it actually is the name given to the common brown rat. The Norway rat is scientifically known as the (RattusNorvegicus) and the street monikers for it include the Parisian rat, Hanover rat, Norwegian rat and the lesser pleasant name street rat, sewer rat, and wharf rat. The Norway rat can be brown in color or black in color.
The difference between the Norway and the Black rat
The Norway is often confused for the black rat especially when it is black in color. Both rats are found in plenty in the Mid-Atlantic states. The black rat is also known as the roof rat, ship rat and even house rat. The main difference between the two is the size and you can also distinguish them from their under bellies. The black rat is scientifically known as the RattusRattus.
The black rat has a black furry coat but its underbelly is pale and almost white in color. Plus the black rat is just that: black in color. The Norway rat is brown or black in color and coat of this rat is smoother and. The adult roof rat can reach lengths of eight inches while the Norway rat is able to reach a length of 10 inches. This is despite the black rat having a longer tail.
The other difference is mainly in their behavior. The Norway rat is a burrower by nature meaning it will create burrows near the house or the next to the foundation of the house. They will also create a burrow in the midst of the yard clutter or compost. The black rat is a prolific climber and will find shelter indoors by climbing rats and nesting in your ceiling or roof or attic. They also love to nest in wall voids and they will feed on insects, seeds and fruit left in the shelter. They are a menace to stored grains while the Norway rat will attack the crop while still in the field.
Diseases
The Norway rat can spread over 30 diseases to human beings in addition to destroying the structure of the house. You will notice that they gnaw on electrical wires and also shred the insulation you may have put around the house. They spread diseases like Salmonellosis and murine typhus by contaminating the food as well as the surfaces they come into contact with in the house.
Conclusion
The Norway rat is great at camouflage and hiding. Keep your house pest free by storing grains and cereals away from accessible areas. And also maintain high standards of cleanliness.
