Rodents, such as mice and rats, look to homes to find a food source and a place to nest. Once these creatures enter your home, they can cause significant damage by destroying insulation, chewing on electrical wires, and contaminating surfaces. We list common rodents found in Florida areas, including St. Augustine, and ways you can prevent them from invading your property.
Common Rodents Found in Florida
- Roof Rat: These rodents are known to be excellent climbers, where you can often find them in higher points in our home such as attics or trees. If they find an area with available food source, they will keep returning to the same place for more.
- Norway Rat: These rodents can get up to 10-12 inches long and can be found in places where they can burrow, such as basements and crawlspaces. These critters do need water to survive, and the smallest amount of standing water will attract them.
- House Mouse: These rodents are extremely small, ranging from 3-4 inches in length, which helps them fit through small holes and gaps leading into homes. House mice will eat about anything they can find but prefer cereal grains.
Preventing Rodents in Florida
There are several do-it-yourself rodent prevention tips you can utilize around your property to deter rodents from entering; consider the following:
- Make sure your lid is a tight-fitting on your trashcan
- Store your pet and bird food in glass or metal containers with lids on them.
- Clean up food crumbs and drink spills after each meal
- Keep your pantry food stored in tightly sealed containers
- Seal any openings and gaps found on the exterior or your home with caulk or steel wool, depending on the size
- Utilize plastic storage bins instead of cardboard boxes; make sure your storage boxes are elevated off the ground
If you’ve noticed rodent activity on your property, it’s best to call a wildlife removal company near you. These wildlife control professionals will thoroughly inspect your home, safely remove the live animal, and provide you with a prevention plan to avoid future rodent infestations.
