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The inside of a Tennessee house attic seen from the hatch, wooden rafters and pink insulation, a bright flashlight beam sweeping across the insulation to reveal a disturbed trail, dusty air, dramatic realistic lighting.

Wildlife of Tennessee · Squirrels and Rodents

Norway Rat in Tennessee

Spreads disease and breeds quickly, and one pair can become dozens in months. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Call us today615-357-7797
A brown Norway rat at the edge of a concrete foundation near a Tennessee garage, low flash-lit night photo.

At a Glance

About the Norway Rat

Squirrels and rodents are among the most common wildlife in Tennessee attics, walls and crawl spaces. They chew wiring and ducts, shred insulation and breed quickly, so a small problem grows fast.

We Remove It

Risk: Spreads disease and breeds quickly, and one pair can become dozens in months.

Call 615-357-7797

Scientific nameRattus norvegicus
Size13 to 18 inches with the tail
Where it shows upCrawl spaces, basements, garages, sewers and dumpsters
When it is activeMostly night, all year

Signs You Have One

How to Tell

These are the clues that point to a norway rat.

  • Burrow holes along foundations and under slabs
  • Gnawed pipes, wiring and food packaging
  • Greasy rub marks and droppings the size of a grain of rice

How We Handle It

What We Do About the Norway Rat

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work.

Prevention

Keep Them Away

Simple steps that help for this kind of animal.

  • Trim branches 6 to 8 feet away from the roof
  • Seal gaps with steel mesh, not foam
  • Store pet food and seed in sealed containers
  • Keep firewood and clutter away from the house

Similar Animals

More Squirrels and Rodents

Free Tool

What Animal Is It? Identifier

Pick where it is, when you notice it and the signs you see, and get a ranked list of the likely Tennessee animals.

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Good to Know

Questions About Norway Rat

Still have a question?

Call 615-357-7797

How do I know if I have a norway rat?

Common signs: burrow holes along foundations and under slabs; gnawed pipes, wiring and food packaging; greasy rub marks and droppings the size of a grain of rice.

Is a norway rat dangerous?

Spreads disease and breeds quickly, and one pair can become dozens in months. When in doubt, keep your distance and call us.

What does Music City Wildlife do about a norway rat?

We inspect to confirm the species, remove the animals humanely, close every way in and clean up. We check for young before any work. Call 615-357-7797 any hour.

Free Estimate

Tell Us What Is Going On

Describe what you see, hear or smell and we will get back to you quickly with a plan and a free estimate. For an animal in the house or any emergency, skip the form and call 615-357-7797 any hour.

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