Roof Rats Florida

Roof rats also known as palm rats palm tree rats black rats ship rats or house rats are the leading rodent pest in florida and in other tropical climates.

Roof rats florida. Roof rats will eat meat and grain but their preferences are fresh fruits vegetables seeds and nuts. Palm rats are also known as roof rats citrus rats black rats and ship rats belong to the muridae family of the rodent species. The roof rat is an introduced species of rat native to southern asia. Fruit is one of their main food sources.

Roof rats are identified by a number of different names including palm rats fruit rats citrus rats and black rats. It was brought to america on the first ships to reach the new world and has spread around the world. The most invasive species that is found living in the highest numbers is the roof rat. In south florida there are several species of rats.

What are palm rats. Yes there are many types of rats and palm rats are a nightmare for many house and property owners as they are known to be one of the leading pests in florida. Roof rats will invade homes any time of the year including in the summer season in order to escape the heat. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black.

This rat is the same species that carried the bubonic plague around the world and is also the reservoir host for murine typhus. Roof rats are excellent climbers and they often prefer to build their nests up high in attics or in beams near the roof. The roof rat is the most common type of rat found in south florida. For the most part they are vegetarian although they will eat almost anything that is available.

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. Naturally they will eat in several different places which will be an important strategy when you bait and trap. When it comes to roof rats it is important to understand what they look like. Their undersides are often white gray or black.

Roof rats will eat smaller portions of food compared to norway rats. They will eat snails slugs and insects as well. Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length.