Norway Rat Control
Schedule An Inspection!
Click To Contact
Norway Rat Extermination Services
Stride Pest Control provides Norway rat control for homes and businesses across Central Texas, where these large, stocky rats burrow low along foundations, in crawl spaces, and near garbage and water, and push in from sewers and drains. Norway rats are hard to control on your own because they nest below ground and out of sight and are wary of new objects like traps.
Stride treats Norway rats through the Stride Forward integrated pest management process, centered on locating and treating the burrows, securing low entry points, and trapping along the runways they travel.
Every treatment is backed by a same-day service option and a satisfaction guarantee. Norway rats are one of several rodents Stride treats, covered under our broader rodent control and general pest control services.
Norway Rats In Central Texas
The Norway rat is the large, ground-dwelling rat, and its low burrowing habits set it apart from the climbing roof rat.
| Trait | Norway Rat |
|---|---|
| Appearance | Large and stocky, 7 to 10 inches, brown with a blunt nose and a tail shorter than the body |
| The burrower | Digs burrows along foundations, under slabs, sheds, and woodpiles |
| Where they nest | Low and near the ground, in crawl spaces, basements, and burrows |
| How they enter | Through foundation gaps, and up from sewers and drains |
| What they eat | Garbage, meat, grains, and pet food |
| Droppings | Large and blunt-ended, found along runways and near burrows |
Because Norway rats burrow low and enter near the ground, unlike the climbing roof rat, control focuses on the burrows and the foundation rather than the roofline.
Signs You Have Norway Rats
Norway rats leave signs at ground level:
- Burrow holes two to four inches wide along foundations, sheds, and woodpiles.
- Large, blunt-ended droppings along runways and near burrows.
- Gnaw marks low on doors, foundations, and crawl-space openings.
- Greasy rub marks along baseboards and walls.
- Runways in tall grass and along the foundation.
Are Norway Rats Dangerous?
Norway rats are a serious health and structural pest. They spread pathogens through droppings and urine, including those in the NIH MedlinePlus overview of Salmonella, and they contaminate food and stored goods as they travel.
They also gnaw constantly on wiring and structures, and their burrowing along foundations, under slabs, and near sheds can undermine soil and structures over time. Their larger size and strength make the damage more significant than a mouse problem.
How We Get Rid of Norway Rats
Stride treats Norway rats through the five-step Stride Forward process, aimed at the burrows and low entry points:
- Inspect. We find the burrows, runways, low entry points, and sewer and drain gaps they use.
- Identify. We confirm Norway rats rather than roof rats, since burrowers and climbers are trapped in different places.
- Recommend. We flag the low gaps to seal, the drains to secure, and the garbage and harborage to remove.
- Treat. We treat the burrows, place exterior stations to intercept rats, set traps along runways, and seal foundation and drain gaps.
- Evaluate. We return to check the burrows and traps and confirm the exclusion is holding.
Our GreenPro certification guides this reduced-risk, exclusion-first approach.
How to Keep Norway Rats Away
Keeping Norway rats out means sealing low and removing what draws them:
- Seal low gaps and foundation cracks with hardware cloth and mortar.
- Secure and cover drains they can travel up.
- Keep garbage lidded and away from the foundation.
- Clear woodpiles, clutter, and tall grass from around the house.
- Remove standing water and outdoor food sources.
Norway Rat Control Frequently Asked Questions
What are the holes in my yard along the foundation?
Norway rats dig burrows two to four inches wide along foundations, sheds, and woodpiles. The burrows, often with smooth, worn openings, are the telltale sign of them.
Can rats really come up through my drains?
Yes. Norway rats are strong swimmers and can travel sewer lines and come up through floor drains and even toilets. Securing and covering drains helps close off that route.
What’s the difference between a Norway rat and a roof rat?
Norway rats are larger and stockier, burrow low near the ground, and have blunt noses and shorter tails. Roof rats are sleeker, climb, and nest high in attics. The two are trapped and excluded in different places.
Are Norway rats dangerous?
Yes. They spread disease through droppings and urine, gnaw wiring and structures, contaminate food, and their burrowing can undermine slabs and foundations over time.
THE STRIDE FORWARD PROGRAM
Our Strategic ECO-BASED Protocol
Stride Forward is our Integrated Pest Management program where we partner with our clients in the long-term removal and prevention of pests. Keeping your property free of unwanted insects and rodents works best when we work together.
The program combines habitat manipulation, biological control, cultural behavior changes, and the targeted use of products designed to repel or eradicate pests. Our approach follows five steps, with non-chemical methods prioritized before any product application.
Our Certifications & Awards
Stride Pest Control holds QualityPro and GreenPro certifications through the NPMA’s Foundation for Professional Pest Management, and fewer than 3% of pest control companies nationwide hold both. QualityPro requires background checks on every service member, a drug-free workplace, and 16 standards that exceed state and federal requirements.
Our Austin and Round Rock office operates under Texas Department of Agriculture license TPCL #667951, with Burton Johnston as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our San Antonio office operates under TPCL #827449, with Alex Randall as Responsible Certified Applicator. Our office manager, Michael Honeycutt, is an Associate Certified Entomologist through the Entomological Society of America.
Founded in 2013, we have served nearly 12,000 customers across Central Texas and hold a 4.9-star rating across 2,400+ reviews with an A+ from the BBB.
Customer Testimonials
Danielle N.
Google Reviewer
Stacey L.
Google Local Guide
John N.
Google Local Guide
Stride Pest Control received an average rating of 4.9 out of 5 stars
based on 2,400+ reviews.
Ready For FastSafeReliable Pest Control?
You do not have to live with pests. Stride Pest Control offers same-day service across Central Texas with a satisfaction guarantee on every treatment.
4.9 stars across 2,400+ reviews | QualityPro certified | Satisfaction guaranteed