Roof Rat Population Increase In Florida

Here in florida during the citrus season september through march they seem to increase in number because they are out partaking in the fruit harvest.

Roof rat population increase in florida.

How do roof rats get inside a home. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears a pointed nose and a scaly tail. The following are the three most commonly found types of rats in florida and how you can identify them.

In south florida there are several species of rats. And also because the norway rat can quickly adapt to the changes in the temperature compared to the roof rats. The roof rat about the roof rat. Terminix a company that deals with pest and rodent control released a ranking of the most rat infested roofs in the united states wplg reported and four florida cities are on the list.

Roof rats possessing a long tail. The most invasive species that is found living in the highest numbers is the roof rat. Roof rats will invade homes any time of the year including in the summer season in order to escape the heat. Roof rats are excellent climbers and they often prefer to build their nests up high in attics or in beams near the roof.

Their undersides are often white gray or black. Once inside the roof rat population can grow rapidly. Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length. Roof rats being the smaller sized ones with a considerably slender body.

Roof rats are one of the two most popular species of rats in the united states. A female can have a litter of five to eight babies. As their name suggests they like high places around your property but can also invade your home. Roof rats are attracted to garbage fruit and nut trees bird feeders bird seed and any place that can offer them food.

Roof rats become sexually mature between two and five months producing four to six litters per year that consist of six to eight young each. Roof rats are nocturnal creatures and spend most days hiding away in secluded dark places. The diet of the roof rats is entirely different from their brethren species. What attracts roof rats.

Also known as black rats as well as palm rats fruit rats or citrus rats because of their largely vegetarian diets roof rats are the most common type of rat that is found in florida. In dense populations these rodents will establish a social hierarchy wherein dominant males mate more than subordinate males. When it comes to roof rats it is important to understand what they look like. Read this guide to learn more about how to identify and control roof rats.

In warm tropical regions roof rats breed year round and females can have up to three litters a year. The roof rat is the most common type of rat found in south florida.