Rodents
Rodents are one of the most common and destructive pests found in Florida homes and businesses. Species like Norway rats, roof rats, and house mice can cause severe property damage, contaminate food, and spread diseases such as leptospirosis, salmonella, and hantavirus.
Because Florida’s warm climate allows them to breed year-round, even a small infestation can quickly become a major problem. Rodents chew through wires, insulation, and even plumbing — creating fire hazards and costly repairs.
In this guide, you’ll learn how to identify the most common rodent species, recognize signs of infestation, and discover proven control and prevention strategies to keep your property safe.
Common Rodent Species
While there are many types of rodents, the three most frequently encountered in South Florida homes and businesses are:
What Attracts Rodents
Rodents enter homes in search of food, water, and shelter. Florida’s mild winters make indoor spaces even more inviting.
Common attractants include:
- Accessible food: crumbs, pet food, bird seed, and unsealed garbage.
- Water sources: leaky pipes, AC drip lines, and pet water bowls.
- Shelter: cluttered storage, insulation, and wall voids.
- Overgrown landscaping and open vents.
Once inside, they breed rapidly — a single pair of mice can produce over 200 offspring per year.
Signs of an Rodent Infestation
Rodents are nocturnal, so you may not see them directly. Instead, look for these warning signs:
- Droppings near food storage, under sinks, or behind appliances.
- Gnaw marks on wood, wires, or food packaging.
- Scratching or rustling sounds at night in walls or ceilings.
- Grease marks or tracks along baseboards.
- Nesting material such as shredded paper or insulation.
- Foul, musky odors from nesting or urine buildup.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s likely you have an active infestation.
Rodent Control FAQs
What’s the fastest way to get rid of rats or mice?
Rodents are most active after dark, searching for food or nesting materials. Scratching inside walls or ceilings is a strong sign of infestation.
Are rodent treatments safe for pets?
Yes – rodents carry pathogens and parasites that can spread disease to humans and pets. Their gnawing also poses a serious fire hazard when wires are exposed.
Do ultrasonic repellers work?
Mice and rats can squeeze through openings as small as a dime or quarter. Common entry points include vents, rooflines, plumbing gaps, and foundation cracks.
How long does it take to eliminate a rodent infestation?
DIY traps can catch a few, but rarely solve the problem. Without sealing entry points and eliminating nests, new rodents will quickly replace the old ones.
Will the rodents come back?
Get Your Free Rodent Control Quote
Rodents can cause damage, disease, and sleepless nights – but you don’t have to face them alone. Our South Florida pest control experts provide fast, reliable rodent removal and prevention backed by local experience and guaranteed results.
Whether you’re in Palm Beach, Broward, or Miami-Dade County, we’ll inspect your property, eliminate active infestations, and keep your home or business protected all year long.
Don’t wait until you hear them in the walls – request your free inspection and quote today.
Rodent Behaviour and Nesting Habits
Rodents are intelligent and resourceful creatures that adapt quickly to their surroundings.
They typically:
- Build nests near food and water sources.
- Follow the same travel paths (rub marks or droppings often mark these routes).
- Reproduce rapidly — mice can birth litters every 3–4 weeks.
- Avoid open areas, preferring dark, hidden spaces.
Their constant gnawing behavior helps keep their teeth short but often results in significant property damage.
How to Get Rid of Rodents
Effective rodent control requires a combination of elimination, exclusion, and prevention:
🏠 Indoor Treatment
- Identify and remove food and water sources.
- Set traps in known activity areas (attics, kitchens, basements).
- Use tamper-resistant bait stations for safety.
- Clean droppings with proper protective equipment.
🌳 Outdoor Treatment
- Trim vegetation and tree branches away from roofs.
- Seal cracks, vents, and openings larger than ¼ inch.
- Remove clutter and debris near structures.
- Keep garbage bins sealed and elevated.
Rodent Prevention & Proofing Tips
The best long-term defense is prevention.
Protect your home or business by:
- Sealing all entry points with steel wool or metal flashing.
- Storing food in sealed containers.
- Cleaning pet bowls and feeding areas daily.
- Keeping garbage lids tight-fitting.
- Scheduling seasonal pest inspections.
Routine professional maintenance ensures infestations are caught early — before damage occurs.
When to Call a Professional
Rodents are clever, cautious, and multiply fast — meaning store-bought traps often only reduce visible numbers temporarily.
A licensed In Touch Pest Control technician can identify hidden nesting sites, locate access points, and implement safe, targeted treatments that eliminate rodents and prevent reinfestation.
Don’t wait until the scratching gets worse — get your free inspection and quote today.
