Developed by our Ecology and Natural Resources program, the “Wondering About Wildlife?” blog series provides answers to frequently asked questions and concerns about the wildlife around us. This blog focuses on non-native rodent species and how to prevent them from seeking residence in your homes and buildings.
Native Rodents in Florida
Native rodents, often misunderstood and mistaken for their non-native relatives, are the unsung heroes of the food chain in Florida. There are over 18 native rodent species in Florida, and these small animals play a crucial role in the delicate balance of nature. They serve as a bountiful food source for a variety of predators, including hawks, foxes, bobcats, snakes, and more.
Non-Native Species: Commensal Rodents
The rodent species often responsible for infestations in homes and buildings are non-native species called commensal rodents. Commensal rodents are named as such due to their dependence on human structures and food sources for shelter and survival. Commensal rodents are found living in urban and residential areas, near and inside of human structures. Below are the most common commensal rodents that residents in Florida generally have conflicts with.
House Mouse (Mus musculus)
The house mouse is easily identifiable with its short body, long tail, and relatively large ears. They vary in coloration, and can be white, gray, brown, or black, and have a light-colored belly. House mice are omnivorous and will consume insects, nuts, seeds, plant and vegetable matter, grains, as well as human and pet foods.
Roof Rat (Rattus rattus)
Also known as the black rat or ship rat, the roof rat has large ears, and a long face. Roof rats have sleek, dark-colored fur. These non-native rodents are elusive, secretive, skilled climbers, and are found primarily in trees and in the upper levels of homes and buildings. Their diet consists of meats, nuts, seeds, plant and vegetable matter, garbage, pet food, grains, and fruits, which can sometimes lead to agricultural damage.
Norway Rat (Rattus norvegicus)
The Norway rat, also referred to as the common rat, sewer rat, or street rat, has a heavy body with gray to brown coloring. They are commonly found near water or coastal areas, as they are excellent swimmers. Their diet includes garbage, meat, fish, and grains.
Managing Rodent Issues In and Around the Home
Prevention is Key
To discourage rodents from making your home and yard their haven, taking preventative action is critical. Rodent exclusion is the proactive practice of covering entryways into homes with rodent-proof materials, and eliminating accessible sources of food, water, and shelter for commensal rodents. It is much easier to keep rodents out than to remove them once they have already established residence in a structure. Keep reading for some important tips on how to reduce sources of food, water, and shelter for rodents.
Reducing Sources of Food, Water, and Shelter for Rodents
Food
One of the top attractants to wildlife is trash. Improperly secured trash provides a source of easy to access, high-calorie food to a variety of wildlife, creating complicated issues and conflict with animals who become conditioned to associate humans with an easy food source.
Reduce sources of food for commensal rodents by ensuring that trash cans cannot be tipped over by animals, and have tamper-resistant lids. Avoid putting trash out overnight when rodents are active and have the cover of darkness.
Never leave pet food outdoors overnight or for extended periods of time. Clean up fallen birdseed and promptly remove ripened or rotting vegetables and fruits from trees and gardens in the yard. Maintain good sanitation and cleaning practices around your house.
Water
Rodents can utilize as little as a bottle cap full of water. Over-irrigating your landscape creates standing water that may attract rodents. Avoid over-watering and opt for Florida-Friendly landscaping for beneficial plants that need less water and fertilizer. Promptly address standing water issues, fix leaks, and manage irrigation to minimize water sources that could attract rodents.
Shelter: Rodent Exclusion
Rodents can fit into unexpectedly small spaces. The cracks beneath and around doors and windows, gaps where pipes and wires enter and exit a building, and structural damage and holes throughout the house are all potential access points for rodents. Furthermore, piles of wood, plant material, and other forms of clutter can provide shelter for rodents in yards.
To keep rodents at bay, make sure to seal any openings in and around your home with rodent-proof material such as hardware cloth or steel mesh, promptly repair storm damage, and maintain a debris-free yard. Because roof rats can easily climb trees, ensure that limbs are not overhanging the roof of structures. Rat guards can be placed on trees to discourage rodents from climbing them. A chimney cap can also be installed to prevent rodents from entering chimneys. Learn more about rodent exclusion here.
Rodent Management
Wondering what to do if you have a rodent issue? As a non-native species, rodents should not be live-trapped and released into natural areas. Spring-loaded snap traps are the recommended method of managing rodents for homeowners, as they are affordable, effective, and are more likely to cause a quick death.
Glue traps are inhumane and should never be used in areas where other wildlife may become trapped. Poisons and rodenticides should be used as a last resort, as they can have serious impacts on native wildlife. Only EPA-registered rodenticides should be used and must be placed in tamper-resistant bait stations away from children and pets. Pair prevention and exclusion methods with lethal management during an active infestation for the best results. In neighborhoods and communities, work together to ensure that efforts to reduce food, water, and shelter sources for rodents are being practiced on a large-scale.
Staying Safe Around Rodents
When addressing issues with rodents, it is crucial to take precautions to ensure your safety:
- NEVER handle rodents or any rodent-contaminated materials with bare hands.
- Avoid sweeping or vacuuming rodent-contaminated dust, as disease-causing pathogens can become airborne.
- Discard any food suspected of being contaminated by rodents.
- Always wash hands thoroughly after cleaning or contacting items or spaces contaminated by rodents.
- Protect vulnerable populations, such as immunocompromised individuals, young children, and pregnant individuals, by keeping them away from rodent-contaminated areas.
Learn More:
Watch a free webinar on rodent management.
Check out all the blogs in the “Wondering About Wildlife?” series.
Visit UF/IFAS Extension Sarasota County’s Sarasota Starter Kit: A Guide to Living on the Suncoast 30-minute webinars for new, or current residents.
Register for Neighborhood Best Practices, an online, self-paced course that provides videos, fact sheets, resource links, and more on topics from wildlife interactions to supporting healthy water quality and Florida-Friendly Landscaping to foster thriving, informed, and sustainable communities.
Other Series of Interest
“Wild Sarasota” blog series Enjoy blogs about identification, life history, and fun facts about our native wildlife. Accompanying webinars and resources on over 140 species of wildlife can be found at our Florida Wildlife webpage.
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