Types of Rats in Florida

Home and business owners in Central Florida sometimes face the distressing problem of rat infestations. Rodents can spread diseases like hantavirus, rat bite fever, and salmonella.

So understandably, seeing rats scurrying around your property or hearing them in your walls can be unsettling and stressful. And with the local climate, there are several types of rats that infest properties here.

It’s easy to turn to DIY methods like setting traps or using store-bought poisons. However, these solutions are often temporary and may not address your rodent problem effectively. Different types of rats each have their own nesting places and behaviors.

At Forest Pest Control, we understand the stress that rats bring. That’s why we put together this guide!

Most Common Rats in Central Florida

Identifying the type of rat you’re dealing with can help with control methods and ongoing infestations. Here are the most common species of rats we encounter around Central Florida:

Roof Rats (Rattus rattus)

Roof rats are notorious for causing damage to insulation and wiring. They’re excellent climbers and can enter homes through small openings in roofs or walls. 

What does a Central Florida roof rat look like?

• Slender body, with coloring from gray to black
• 13”-15” long, including the tail
• Tails are longer than their bodies

Where do roof rats live in Central Florida?

As the most common type of rat in Central Florida, they are found in every corner of the state. They prefer to nest in trees, attics, and anywhere else high off the ground.

Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus)

Despite their name, these rats are not from Norway. However, Norway rats are larger and more aggressive than roof rats. They’re known for burrowing and causing structural damage to buildings.

What does a Central Florida Norway rat look like?

• Gray-brown, red-brown, or black in color
• 16” long, including the tail
• Hairy, shorter tails

Where do Norway rats live in Central Florida?

Also known as sewer rats, these rats live up to their name. Norway rats can be found in sewers, underground burrows, and basements. They prefer living in cities, like Orlando, where they can live on leftover food and waste from people.

Wood Rats (Neotoma floridana)

Also known as bush rats, wood rats get their name from their preference for living in wooded areas. As a type of pack rat, they construct large dens for nesting and storing food.

They’re also known for stealing small items. But thankfully, they rarely spread diseases compared to other rat species.

What does a Central Florida wood rat look like?

• 8”-17” long
• Exceptionally long tail
• Gray-brown coloring

Where do wood rats live in Central Florida?

As the least common type of rat in the state, wood rats are usually found in northern Florida. They prefer to infest houses in rural areas, near the woods.

Central Florida Rodent Control for Any Rat

Dealing with rats can be overwhelming, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous if not done correctly. It’s understandable to feel frustrated and helpless when facing a rat infestation. Some folks continue to try different DIY methods, while others may ignore the problem hoping it will go away on its own. Both approaches can lead to worsening infestations.

At Forest Pest Control, we offer comprehensive rat control services tailored to Central Florida‘s unique rat species. Our trained technicians can accurately identify the type of rat you’re dealing with and implement targeted, effective solutions. The expert team here uses safe, effective methods to not only remove rats but also prevent them from coming back. We offer personalized solutions for every type of rat problem in Central Florida.

So don’t let rats take over your Central Florida home or business. Contact Forest Pest Control today for a free inspection and customized rat control plan. Our team is ready to help you say goodbye to rats and hello to a stress-free environment free of rodents.