Palm rats are tiny rodents that can make their way into your home through open spaces such as cracks and vents. These pests can be a nuisance if they nest in your home. Here is how you can identify a growing palm rat infestation and how to get them off of your property.
What Are Palm Rats?
Also known as roof rats or citrus rats, palm rats are a small species of rodent common throughout Florida. They’re excellent climbers and like to make their nests in palm trees, which is how they got their name. Ranging from grey to brown, palm rats are dark-colored with light-colored bellies. They’re vegetarian and normally feed on fruit found on trees and shrubs. However, palm rats will sometimes enter residential homes and nest in walls and attics. Once inside, they can chew through electric wires, shred insulation, and damage property—putting your home at risk of disease, contamination, and fire hazard.
Getting Rid of Palm Rats
The best way to get rid of palm rats is to ensure they can’t enter your home in the first place. Regularly check your attic and doorways and seal any cracks you find. Keep your roof clear of any vegetation, and regularly trim back trees that are close to your roof. It’s also a good idea to keep your trash sealed so they’re not attracted to it as a food source. While these preventative measures are useful, the best way to get rid of palm rats is to hire an experienced wildlife removal professional.
The Problem with DIY Palm Rat Removal
While rats prefer to avoid humans, they will bite if they feel cornered or threatened. A bite or scratch from a palm rat can spread diseases such as hantavirus and rat-bite fever to you, your loved ones, or your pets. That’s why it is always best to keep a safe distance from an invasive wild animal and, instead, call an experienced wildlife professional who is equipped with the appropriate tools and gear to ensure a safe and efficient removal process.
Professional Palm Rat Removal Services
For humane and effective palm rat removal services, rely on the professional animal removal experts at Animal Wildlife Trappers. From rats to bats and everything in between, our licensed wildlife removal technicians are equipped and experienced to handle any invasive animal that is infesting your property. Our experts will provide you with high-quality animal removal services that ensure the nuisance wildlife is entirely and permanently removed.
Call us today at 352-267-0546 to schedule an appointment and receive a free animal removal estimate.