Norway Rat:

The Norway rat (Rattus norvegicus), also called the brown rat or sewer rat, is one of the most common and destructive rodents in urban environments. It has a thick, heavy body, coarse brown or gray fur, a blunt snout, small ears, and a scaly tail that is shorter than its body. Adults can reach up to 18 inches long including the tail. Norway rats are primarily nocturnal and prefer to nest in ground-level areas such as basements, sewers, and garbage zones. They are omnivores and consume food waste, grains, pet food, and more. Their constant gnawing damages structures, wires, and pipes. Reproducing quickly, a single female can produce over 80 young per year. They are also dangerous public health pests, capable of spreading diseases like leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus. Signs of infestation include droppings, gnaw marks, burrows, and greasy rub marks. Professional exclusion and sanitation are key to effective control.