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Pest Library · Rodents & wildlifeNorway Rats Identification Guide
How to identify Norway rats, common in Toronto laneways, basements and around food businesses.
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How to identify
What rats look like
Norway rats are large, heavy-bodied rodents with a blunt nose, small ears and a thick tail shorter than their body. Their fur is coarse, brown to grey.
Droppings are capsule-shaped, about 12–18 mm long, much larger than mouse droppings.
Signs you have rats
- Large droppings along walls, in basements or garages
- Burrows in soil along foundations, sheds and fences
- Gnaw marks on wood, plastic and pipes
- Greasy rub marks along walls and entry points
- Noises in walls, ceilings or under floors
Are they dangerous?
Rats can carry diseases, contaminate food and cause serious damage by gnawing and burrowing. In Toronto they are common near construction, laneways, compost and restaurants.
How to prevent them
- Seal holes larger than a quarter, especially around pipes
- Use bins with tight lids and keep compost secure
- Remove clutter, wood piles and dense ground cover
- Fix leaking pipes and drains
- Keep food businesses on a monitored rodent program
Quick facts
Scientific nameRattus norvegicus
Size18–25 cm body plus tail
ColourBrown to grey, coarse fur
Most activeYear-round
Found inBasements, sewers, laneways, restaurants
Risk levelHigh (disease, damage)
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