Norway Rat

Norway rats are large, robust rodents measuring 7-10 inches in body length with a tail slightly shorter than the body. They have coarse brown fur with a lighter gray or white belly, small ears close to the head, and a blunt nose. Their droppings are capsule-shaped, about 3/4 inch long, and are often found along travel routes. They are sometimes confused with the smaller, more agile roof rat.

Look for gnaw marks on food packaging, wood, or wiring. Norway rats leave greasy rub marks (dark smudges) along walls and baseboards where they travel repeatedly. You may hear scratching or scurrying noises in walls, crawlspaces, or basements at night. Burrow holes approximately 2-3 inches in diameter may appear along foundations, under decks, or near dumpsters. A musky odor intensifies with larger populations.

MBPC’s rodent control program in Myrtle Beach begins with a comprehensive inspection to pinpoint entry points, travel routes, and nesting sites, common in our subtropical coastal environment. We strategically place tamper-resistant bait stations along exterior pathways and utilize snap traps indoors. Sealing all entry points larger than 1/2 inch using materials like steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete is vital for lasting control, especially given the sandy soils of the Grand Strand. We conduct follow-up visits every 2 weeks until the rat activity is completely eliminated.

In Myrtle Beach, seal any exterior openings larger than half an inch with steel wool, metal flashing, or concrete to prevent Norway rats from entering your home. Store garbage in metal or heavy-duty plastic bins with tight-fitting lids, crucial in our mild coastal climate where rats forage year-round. Remove fallen fruit, pet food, and bird seed from your yard, and keep the yard free of debris. If your property borders a tidal creek or marsh, maintain a clear perimeter to deter burrowing. For businesses along the Myrtle Beach strip, ensure dumpster areas are clean and grease traps are well-maintained to minimize attraction.

In the Grand Strand, Norway rats thrive in ground-level and below-ground areas, nesting in crawlspaces, basements, and along foundations. They burrow under concrete slabs and near water sources like tidal creeks and marsh edges, which are abundant in our area. They require a daily water source and are often found near leaky pipes or pet water bowls. The mild, subtropical coastal climate of Myrtle Beach allows them to remain active year-round. They are frequently seen near commercial districts along Kings Highway and the Myrtle Beach strip, where restaurants provide ample food sources via dumpsters and grease traps. Residential areas near tidal creeks and salt marshes also experience high activity.

Peak activity: Fall-Winter