How do I know if I have rats or mice?
Droppings. Rat droppings are about 3/4 inch long with blunt ends; mouse droppings are rice-sized with pointed ends. Burrow holes outside mean rats.
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
Reviewed by William "Willy" Vizcarrondo, NYS Certified Pesticide Applicator (C1825832). Updated September 23, 2026.
Quick facts
The Norway rat is the large, burrowing brown rat found along Long Island's waterfronts, commercial strips, and older neighborhoods. It weighs 7 to 18 ounces, digs burrows along foundations, and can travel a few hundred feet from its nest every night to feed.
| Size | 7 to 18 ounces, heavy body, tail shorter than the body |
|---|---|
| Color | Brown to gray-brown, lighter belly |
| Look-alikes | Roof rat (rare on Long Island, slimmer, tail longer than body), large house mouse |
| Where you'll find it | Burrows along foundations, under decks and sheds, near dumpsters and marinas, basements and crawl spaces |
| Active on Long Island | Year round; more indoor activity November through March |
| Danger level | Disease, structural gnawing, contamination |
Long Island season
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Rats are active year round on Long Island, and move into basements, garages, and crawl spaces when the weather turns.
How to identify it
Norway rats are stocky, with a blunt nose, small ears, and a tail shorter than the body. Droppings are about 3/4 inch long with blunt ends, much larger than mouse droppings.
Burrow openings 2 to 4 inches across along a foundation, under a shed, or in a garden bed are the most reliable sign. Roof rats are uncommon here; if the tail is longer than the body, get it identified.
Signs you have them
- Burrow holes along the foundation or under structures
- 3/4 inch droppings with blunt ends
- Smudge marks along beams, pipes, and walls from fur rubbing
- Gnawed wood, plastic, or wiring
- Droppings around pet food dishes
- Noises in walls or ceilings at night
Why it matters
Rats spread disease through droppings, urine, and the fleas they carry, gnaw through wiring and structural wood, and undermine patios and foundations with their burrows. A female produces 4 to 6 litters a year and can wean 20 or more young annually (UC IPM). On Long Island the waterfronts, marinas, restaurant strips, and older neighborhoods with fieldstone foundations carry the heaviest populations.
Can I handle it myself?
Rarely. Rats are wary of new objects, so traps often go untouched for days, and a rat problem almost always has an outdoor burrow system feeding it. Rodenticide bait outdoors has to be in locked, tamper-resistant stations by law and by common sense with pets and kids around.
Sealing means closing anything larger than 1/4 inch with steel wool, wire screen, or sheet metal, and young rats get under a door with a 1/2 inch gap (UC IPM). If you see burrows, call.
How Bobby Bugs treats it
Interior trapping in the active runs, sealing every entry point along the foundation, and locked exterior bait stations placed at burrows and travel routes, which we service. Rat treatment carries a 60-day written guarantee.
More on rat extermination on Long Island.
Frequently asked questions
Why do waterfront homes on Long Island get rats?
Water, shelter, and food. Harbors, marinas, canals, and the restaurants near them keep Norway rats established year round, and homes within a few blocks see the most activity.
Do rats come inside in winter?
Yes. They stay active all year but push into basements, garages, and crawl spaces once the weather turns cold, usually November through March.
Are bait stations safe with dogs and kids?
The stations we use are locked and tamper-resistant, placed along foundations and at burrows, and the bait is secured inside. They're the standard for exterior rat control for exactly that reason.
Sources
Think you have Norway rats? Call (516) 509-6001 for a free written quote.