Common Rodents to Lookout for this Winter

Common South Florida Rodents: How to Prevent

We don’t often see temperatures below freezing in Cape Coral, but we do experience colder months. While it’s a nice break from the humid weather, unfortunately, it can bring unwanted pests into our homes. Rodents are looking for a warm place to inhabit and search for a food source. If these pests get inside, they can cause significant damage, such as chewed wires, damaged insulation, and risk of disease. Check out our list of common rodents in your area and how you can prevent them from entering your home.

House Mouse

The house mouse prefers dark, secluded areas in your home, such as the crawl space, basement, or attic. These creatures can adapt very quickly to human environments, often hiding in household clutter and inside the walls of homes. Since they are skilled climbers and are able to jump a foot high, they will often reach isolated areas inside your home.

Norway Rats

One of the largest rodent species, Norway rats are nocturnal creatures, searching for food sources in garbage cans at night. You can often spot these creatures burrowing in areas that go undisturbed for a long time, such as crawlspaces and basements. Once inside, these creatures are known to gnaw on furniture, walls, plastic, lead pipes, and wires.

Roof Rats

Due to their padded feet, roof rats can easily climb up our homes, infesting our attics, eaves, and roof lines. Living in colonies, they will typically stay together in a familiar area instead of exploring new ones. If an area is providing both food and shelter, these rats will stay close or inhabit the area.

Preventing Rodents in Cape Coral

Rodents can adapt to almost any situation, making it more difficult to get rid of them. Fortunately, there are a few easy ways to help deter these creatures away from your home.

To keep rodents out this winter, utilize these rodent prevention tips:

• Empty your garbage regularly, utilizing a tight lid or lock
• Utilize screens on vents, chimneys, windows, and doors
• Keep your home decluttered and clean, wiping up any spills or crumbs immediately
• Avoid leaving your pet food outside overnight
• Keep piles of wood elevated off the ground and placed at least 20 feet away from your home
• Check for sources of moisture throughout your home and eliminate them as soon as possible
• Reach out to your local professional South Florida pest control company to help remove and prevent them in the future