What is the most common rat in Florida?

Florida is home to many different species of rodents, which thrive in our state’s hot and humid climate. Most rodent species can become household pests if they begin relying on us for food or infiltrating our homes in search of shelter. Rats are particularly reviled pests that cause damage with their gnawing behaviors and can spread diseases like rat bite fever and leptospirosis. Several species of rats call Florida home, with the most common being the roof rat.

Roof rats – also known as black rats, house rats, and palm rats – are one of the most common and problematic pest species in Florida. These rats can grow up to a sizable 14 inches long. Compared to other common local rat species, roof rats tend to be bigger than Norway rats but not as large as wood rats. Roof rats are black or dark brown with a gray underbelly, and have no hair on their ears or tails.

These nocturnal rats have adapted to forage on things like garbage, bird seed, and fruit dropped by trees, allowing them to thrive in close proximity to humans. Oftentimes, this leads to roof rats invading our houses before multiplying.

If roof rats have become a problem on your property, contact Coastal Wildlife & Pest Control Services today for professional rat control services in the Jacksonville area!