Florida's Rat Problem: Why They're Invading Homes and How to Stop Them

Rats are a problem in most states, but Florida in particular seems to have high levels of rat infestation in homes, why is this the case? Whether you live in a quiet suburb or a busy city like Miami, Orlando or Tampa, rats can be a real problem. Not only do they cause damage to property but they also pose serious health risks. In this blog we are going to explore why a rat infestation is such a persistent issue, the negative effects, and most importantly, how you can prevent them from taking over your home. 

First of all, what type of rats can be found in Florida? There are 3 main types that are common to the area, the Norway rat, the Roof rat and the Wood rat. Norway rats are mostly found inside the home and as they like to burrow they can be found in crawl spaces or basements. The most common rat is the Roof rat. The females can produce over 20 offspring a year, so it's important to eliminate them as soon as you find the infestation. Lastly, the Wood rat which can cause damage to your property. While they typically build nests outdoors, they’re known to venture inside in search of food, making them a potential threat to your home.

So, why are rats such a problem in Florida? 

Climate: Year-round warm temperatures means rats can thrive. Unlike other states that have a colder winter, the Florida climate allows rats to survive and breed all year. This leads to growth in population,  causing rats to venture indoors to find much needed food and shelter. 

Hurricanes and Storms: Florida suffers from heavy rains, flooding and hurricanes. At those times, rats will seek higher ground and man-made shelters so during storms they are more likely to invade your home or business. After natural disasters many homes can be left with structural damage which make it easier for rats to get into your home. 

Natural and Human food sources: Florida has an abundance of vegetation. Dense forests and marshes are a great habitat for rats, where they can nest hidden away. In addition, Florida has a thriving tourism industry which means that there is a constant supply of food waste in cities. 

Water Sources: A staple for survival, rats thrive thanks to the numerous lakes, rivers and canals found in Florida. 

Damage to property is a real concern when it comes to rat infestation, but more importantly rats can spread diseases to humans. Direct contact with feces, urine or salvia, and bites are ways that diseases such as salmonella, Hantavirus and Rat-bite fever can be caught. They can also carry parasites including fleas, mites and ticks. If you find you have rats in your home it’s important to act quickly to get rid of them.

How do you eliminate rats?

 As mentioned above, one of the most common causes of rat infestations in Florida are storms or hurricanes. After a storm hits, it's important to remember that it's not just about fixing any physical damage to your home. It’s also important to get rid of any rodents that have moved in and to keep them out. Here are some tips: 

• Eliminate food sources

• Remove all debris as quickly as possible

• Identify and seal any entry points

• Keep the garden and outside space well maintained 

• Keep pet food covered

• Fix leaking taps and pipes

• Use bait stations and/or rat traps

Devices such as Bait Stations or Rat Snap Traps are a great way to eliminate a rat problem. If you’d like more information on that take a look at our blog on the subject. 

What if the problem is already out of hand and you now have an infestation? Maybe you’ve tried everything but the infestation has persisted? In the case of more severe cases, professional pest control may be necessary. 

Ultimately, managing rats in Florida requires both a community-wide effort and accepting individual responsibility, especially when it comes to maintaining long-term prevention. You can’t stop the storms from coming, but you can prevent rats making your home theirs! 

Sources

https://worldclasswildliferemoval.com/wildlife-blog/rat-infestation-causes-florida/

https://florida-environmental.com/most-common-florida-rodents/