NORWAY RAT

Appearance
Brown, heavy-bodied, 6 to 8 inches long, with small eyes and ears and blunt nose. Tail is shorter than head and body. Its fur is shaggy.
Habitat
Rats live in fields, wooded areas, vacant lots, farms, and just about anywhere people have buildings. Norway rats nest in underground burrows, from which they enter buildings in search of food. Tends to remain in hiding during the day. Rats may find harborage in many areas around the home- especially in stacked firewood, stones and bricks, and piles of leaves or other debris.
Diet
Omnivorous, but prefers meat. Requires regular supply of water.
Control
The best way to avoid invasions of rodents is to eliminate hoarborage, andto seal holes and cracks in the outside of the home through which mice might enter. Keep firewood stored as far from the home as possible and store it off the ground. Remove any piles of debris, stones, bricks, etc. Do not allow piles of leaves to accumulate next to the home's foundation. This serves as attractive harborage for mice in particular. Seal any hole or crack larger than 1/4 of an inch. Install weatherstripping on the bottom of all doors to prevent rodents from entering.