3 Common Types of Rats in Florida

As one of the world’s most common pests, rats can survive anywhere and in any climate, as long as they have access to food and water. However, the rodents frequently infest areas with warmer climates, such as The Sunshine State. Here are a few of the most common types of rats that call Florida home.

3 Most Common Types of Rats in Florida

While there are more than three species of rats found in the Sunshine State, the following rat species are most commonly dealt with by Florida property owners.

1. Roof Rat

   Known as ship rats or black rats in other states, roof rats are commonly called fruit rats or palm rats in the State of Florida. Roof rats are excellent climbers, typically seen scurrying along Florida roofs, climbing palm trees, or running along fences. Roof rats can grow fairly large (up to eight inches in length) and can cause a lot of damage to fruit and vegetable gardens and roof shingles, vents, and soffits in their attempt to access residential attics for warmth, food and shelter. Their size and distinct blackish brown color makes a roof rat easy to spot from other types of rodents.
   
   

2. Norway Rat

   Commonly known as brown rats, Norway rats can grow up to twice the size of roof rats, however, their fur is much lighter in appearance. Norway rats are commonly found in suburban and coastal Florida areas. They are also great burrowers, frequently infesting underground sewers, dumps and other areas that provide access to garbage and discarded food.
   
   

3. House Rats and Mice

   While they are quite small when compared to the roof and Norway rats, house rats and mice are still a destructive threat to residential Orlando communities. The nocturnal creatures are more active after sunset, causing noisy disturbances at night. They must also frequently gnaw and chew on materials to dull their teeth, damaging furniture, wooden beams, drywall, and boxes and contaminating attic insulation food supplies in the process.

The Dangers of DIY Rat Removal

While it is possible for you to successfully catch a rat on your own, it is not recommended as rats can bite, scratch, and transmit deadly diseases. Furthermore, store-bought traps and chemical pesticides can accidentally harm you, your family, and pets if not properly applied. Therefore, instead of attempting DIY rat removal, it is best to get help from professionals at Animal Wildlife Trappers.

Effective Rat Removal Services in Central Florida

Having dealt with numerous rat infestations across Central Florida, the experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers are experienced and equipped to safely remove rats in Orlando, Clermont, Apopka, Lake Mary, and surrounding communities.

Our methods include trapping and removing all unwelcome pests, sealing their entry points, and sanitizing your home to ensure no disease is left behind. Our wildlife technicians will also keep the animals’ best interests as a top priority by only using humane, environmentally safe, and non-toxic equipment to remove the pests from your property. To schedule an appointment and receive a free rat removal estimate, call us today at 352-267-0546.