Rodents, like mice and rats, are searching for a place to call home and often look towards our Florida home for it. Once inside our homes, these critters can cause severe damage and be a health risk to our homes and families. Destroyed insulation, left behind droppings, and chewed electrical wires, are signs of rodent infestations. We list popular south Florida rodents to look at for and a few ways you can avoid these creatures from invading your home. Check them out below!
South Florida Rodents
- House Mouse: These creatures will eat any food to survive but tend to feed on cereal grains. If this rodent finds a food source, it will typically stay in that area for more, usually establishing a territory of 30 to 50 feet from it. These creatures are also known to create electrical fires by gnawing on wires.
- Roof Rat: These rodents are excellent climbers, preferring to stay in higher places like our attics. Roof rats eat fruits, vegetables, and cereal products. If they have found a food source, they typically return to the same place for more.
- Norway Rats: These rats are known to create their nests underneath buildings, crawlspaces, and basements. Norway rats do need water to survive, often looking for standing water and will look for standing water in our yards and homes, often bringing with them fleas and mites!
Rodent Prevention Tips
- Place a Lid on Your Trash: Consider utilizing metal trashcans with a tightly fitting lid. If you must use a plastic trashcan, check it has no holes in it.
- Store Your Pet Food: Look to store pet and bird food in glass or metal containers with tight lids. Remember to bring your pet food inside at night and store it until the morning. If you have fruit trees, make sure to pick them up if they’ve fallen on the ground.
- Store Items Properly: Rodents will eat lawn seed, tulip bulbs, bone meal, and other items used in gardening, so it’s important to store them in containers with lids. Likewise, store your firewood at least 20 feet away from your home. In your garage, place storage boxes off the ground to help eliminate nesting places.
- Tidy the Kitchen: Rodents are attracted to any leftover food, making it crucial to clean up any food crumbs or spills after each meal. Additionally, keep your pantry food stored in tightly sealed containers.
- Keep a Well-Maintained Yard: Inspect the inside and outside of your home for any gaps or openings, sealing them as soon as possible. Always ensure that your gutters are clear of debris and standing water. Keep screens on windows and doors, making sure they are in good repair and replaced when needed.
- Consider Professional Help: Once rodents infest, they can multiply, making it difficult to remove them! If you suspect that you have a rodent problem, it could be best to reach out to your local wildlife removal company for help. These professionals will evaluate your home, provide you with a comprehensive treatment plan, and safely remove these critters from your home.