Norway rats can compress their body and squeeze through an opening as small as what diameter?

Norway rats are remarkably adaptable creatures, capable of squeezing through surprisingly small openings. They can compress their bodies to pass through an opening with a diameter as small as 1/2 inch. This ability is largely due to their flexible ribcage and a lack of a collarbone, allowing them to flatten their bodies easily to navigate through tight spaces. Understanding this is critical in pest control, as it informs strategies for sealing potential entry points in buildings or structures. By knowing that Norway rats can fit through an opening that small, pest control professionals can take more effective measures to prevent infestations by ensuring that gaps, cracks, and holes of this size are sealed.