What kinds of rodents can invade my property in Florida?
Because of the hot and humid climate, coupled with the dense vegetation covering much of the state, Florida is a haven for wildlife of all kinds. Unfortunately, this means that many species of nuisance rodents thrive in Florida. Several local rodent species often invade yards and homes, where they may cause damage and spread disease. Some of the most common rodent invaders are:
- Norway Rats – One of the most common rat species in Florida, Norway rats are a regular nuisance to homeowners throughout the state. Norway rats are the largest local rat species, growing up to 18 inches long from nose to tail tip. These large rats are also extremely destructive, often gnawing on wiring and pipes. Norway rats commonly nest in crawl spaces and inside of walls.
- Roof Rats – Another very common local rat species, roof rats are slightly smaller than Norway rats and tend to be gray or black, while Norway rats are brown. Roof rats are also much better climbers that often get inside of homes in Florida by scaling trees, jumping onto roofs, and breaking into attics. Roof rats can be very destructive, often shredding insulation to build attic nests.
- House Mice – Many species of mice live in Florida, but aptly named house mice are the most likely to invade your home. Growing up to 7 inches long, house mice seek out the shelter of our homes, slipping in through small holes to build nests and multiply. Though much smaller than rats, house mice can be just as destructive, and share other rodents’ bad habit of chewing on electrical wires.
- Gray Squirrels – One of the largest rodents found in Florida, gray squirrels can grow up to 20 inches long. While they may resemble a rat at a glance, squirrels can be told apart by their bushy tails. Gray squirrels are often a nuisance in residential yards, raiding bird feeders and fruit trees. They may also attempt to invade your attic, where they can inflict serious damage.
Reach out to Pest Control Solutions & Services today if you’re looking for professional rodent control services in the St. Petersburg area!