Norway Rats vs. Roof Rats
Miami has two primary rat species, and they behave very differently. Roof rats climb — they live in attics, trees, and upper structures. Norway rats dig. They're larger (up to a pound), stockier, and prefer ground-level habitats: under foundations, in crawl spaces, inside sewer lines, and along canal banks.
Norway rats are more common near the coast, around canals, and in older commercial districts. They're strong swimmers and often enter buildings through broken sewer pipes, open drains, and gaps in concrete slab foundations.
Signs of Norway Rat Activity
- Burrow holes (2–3 inches wide) along foundation walls, under slabs, or near landscaping
- Greasy rub marks along baseboards and lower walls
- Large droppings (¾ inch, capsule-shaped) in garages, utility rooms, and storage areas
- Gnaw marks on ground-level doors, weatherstripping, and utility pipes
- Disturbed soil or mulch around the foundation perimeter
- Sightings at dusk near trash areas, compost, or pet feeding stations
Our Norway Rat Control Approach
Norway rats require a ground-level strategy. Our approach includes:
Burrow Treatment
We locate and collapse active burrows around the property. Each burrow entrance is noted and monitored — if it's re-opened, we know the colony is still active and adjust trapping accordingly.
Ground-Level Trapping
We set heavy-duty snap traps along confirmed runways — typically along foundation walls, behind appliances, inside utility rooms, and near garbage staging areas. Norway rats are cautious and trap-shy, so placement and bait selection matter more than quantity.
Foundation Exclusion
We seal ground-level entry points: weep holes get screened, gaps around utility penetrations get filled with steel mesh and concrete, and door sweeps get replaced with rodent-proof versions. For properties with crawl space access, we screen all ventilation openings and seal pipe penetrations.
Sewer Line Assessment
In some Miami neighborhoods, Norway rats enter through damaged sewer laterals. If we suspect sewer entry, we recommend a plumbing camera inspection to check for broken pipes underground.
Norway rat control pricing: Ground-level trapping and exclusion for a standard Miami property runs $450–$1,100. Properties with extensive burrowing or sewer-related entry may require additional work quoted after inspection.
Frequently Asked Questions
Both species carry diseases, but Norway rats are more aggressive when cornered. They're also more likely to contaminate stored goods at ground level. Both require professional removal.
It's rare but documented. Norway rats are strong swimmers and can navigate sewer pipes. If it happens, it usually indicates a break in the sewer lateral. A plumbing inspection is recommended.
Rarely. Norway rats are primarily ground dwellers and burrowers. If you have rats in the attic, they're almost certainly roof rats. Ground-floor issues are more likely Norway rats.