While some people only hear dreadful stories about underground rodents, others face these monsters in their houses. What is truth, and what are myths about the scary pest?
Contents:
What Does a Sewer Rat Look Like?
In fact, the rodent called Norwegian sewer rat (although Norway is not the real place of its origin) is a usual brown rat that spread around the world in the 19th century. In comparison with its black counterpart, this rodent has sturdier body, smaller eyes, a relatively short tail, and slanted face. Its fur is thick and short, and eyes are black or ruby.
If you look at sewer rat images, you won’t understand why this pest is considered to be so ugly and dangerous. Although it looks like a usual wild rodent, its sizes are more than average, which, of course, is cringe-worthy.
This rodent has sturdier body, smaller eyes, a relatively short tail,
How Big a Sewer Rat Can Get?
If usual wild rodent is about 15-18 cm long, such type can reach 25 cm, and weight from 250-350 grams to 1000 grams. That’s an enormous size, especially if compared with pet species.
Largest Sewer Rat Ever Found
The biggest sewer rat in the world was found in 2014 in Stockholm.
Sewer Rat Plumbing
Since these rodents live wherever people are present, especially in urban areas, they tend to organize nests in sewer line, damaging its walls and contaminating water. Besides, the animal is a good underwater swimmer, which is why sewer rats in toilet is not a myth…they do get into houses via pipes.
To restore sewer line, plumbing services may be requires. These include:
- replacing and repairing of pipes;
- clearing;
- troubleshooting of all parts of the system (sinks, bath tub, toilets, pipes).
That kind of treatment can be combined together with remedies against rodents to get rid of them forever.
The sewer rat can get into your home through pipes.
Sewer Rat With Rabies
Despite the fact many people think that these animals spread rabies, statistics show that bites do not result into transmission. Rodents are rarely infected by the disease, and their attacks are quite rare. As a rule, they avoid people and run away from the threat. If you see an ugly sewer rat, do not provoke it, better slowly leave a room, and let it go away.
Anyway, if you have been bitten, the wound should be washed and cleaned with cold tap water, and be sterilized. After that, you can address a doctor. Actually, instant medical treatment is not required in case of rat bite in the U.S.
How To Make a Trap For Sewer Rat
The easiest way is to install electric traps.
Rodent intervention can be prevented, if sewer system is protected by grills, and PVC tubes are replaced by firmer ones.
Sewer rats are not dangerous, but are rather ugly and disgusting. These animals do live under the ground we walk on, and may invade house pipe systems, but there are many reliable methods of protection. Nothing to worry about, if you install traps and barrier.
