Rodents
Active Seasons
Appearance and Size Facts
- Belong to the order Rodentia
- Rats are short-bodied rodents
- Usually having a pointed muzzle, a long slender tail, and dexterous forepaws
- They have overly sized front teeth
- Size: 5 to 18 inches
- The most common rodents found in homes are the Norway rat and the Roof rat
Types of Rodents
Behavior and Habitat of Rodents
The term rat usually refers to the two most common nuisance rat pest species, the Norway rat and the Roof rat. Both species originated in Asia, but have spread throughout the world by human travel overseas. They both belong to the genus Rattus, which includes 51 species. The average life span of a rat is 2 years. Rats have poor eyesight and are colorblind. They primarily see light, shadow, and movement. They do have very developed sense of hearing, smell, touch and taste. Their hearing is ultrasonic.
Signs of Infestation of Rodents
Worldwide, rats and mice spread over 35 diseases. Rodent-borne diseases are spread directly to humans through bite wounds, contaminated food or water, and through breathing in germs that may have been stirred into the air. Diseases from rodents are also spread indirectly to humans by way of ticks, mites, and fleas that transmit the infection to humans after feeding on infected rodents. Rats are also known for causing damage to homes and structures. They often chew on electrical wires creating the potential for a structure fire. Rats can also cause insulation damage, thereby decreasing the thermal efficiency of your home, and water damage from chewing on roof shingles, water pipes, and fascia boards.
Tips for Prevention of Rodents
Maintain a clean environment and seal all crevices and holes. Commensal rodents look for entry points for shelter from cooler weather.
Latest Pest & Termite Control News
Nov 29, 2021—Rodents, Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice, Rodents
There are two common types of rats here in South Florida. If your home becomes infested, you might be wondering how to tell the difference between roof rats vs. Norway rats? Roof rats go by many names: Florida palm tree rats, black rats, ship rats, or house rats. Norway rats, present on every...
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How to Get Rid of German Cockroaches
Nov 15, 2021—Roaches, Cockroaches, Insects, Pest Control
The sight of a German cockroach in your kitchen can induce panic and send you on a frantic internet search for "how to get rid of German cockroaches." These unsanitary pests can infest your home and quickly take over. When roaches move in, their presence is unsettling, but they can also pose a...
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Signs of Carpenter Ant Damage (and How to Get Rid of Them)
Nov 01, 2021—Ants, Insects, Pest Control, Tips & Control Advice
Carpenter ants are a common household pest that includes many various species. Here in Florida, we have Florida carpenter ants, Camponotus floridanus and Camponotus tortuganus. These ants are among the most common indoor pests in the state. South Florida homeowners sometimes mistake the ants in...
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