Norway Rat in Houston TX
Rattus norvegicus — Burrowing Rat
Norway rats (Rattus norvegicus) are the larger of Houston’s two rat species. They burrow under concrete slabs, foundations, and compost areas near bayous and storm drains. They rarely climb — instead they follow ground-level trails.
Identification
Norway rats are 7–9 inches long (plus tail), heavy-bodied, with blunt snouts and small ears. Coloring is brown-gray. They’re significantly larger than roof rats and house mice.
Behavior in Houston
Norway rats in Houston are commonly found in storm drain corridors, bayou banks, and near restaurant dumpsters. They enter homes through foundation gaps, sewer connections, and plumbing penetrations below grade.
Control Method
Burrow treatments, snap traps at ground level, and foundation sealing. We never use poison bait — it creates secondary poisoning risk and dying rats die inside walls creating odor.