Rodents 

What are rodents? 

Rodents are the largest group of mammals, and though many live outside, far away from people, others have adapted to living with us. Rats and mice are some of the most common rodents that home and business owners deal with regularly. 

Though the appearance of rodents varies by species, they all have something in common — continuously growing front incisors. Their front teeth grow throughout their lifetime, setting rodents apart from other animals.

The following rodents live in our area:

• Norway rats
• Roof rats
• House mice
• Field mice
• Voles 

Are rodents dangerous?

Rodents are both dangerous and destructive. Some rodents like voles cause damage to our lawns by feeding on grass, trees, and other vegetation. Other rodents like mice and rats are problematic because their sharp front incisors cause damage to wires, pipes, drywall, vents, furniture, and almost anything else they can get their teeth around. 

A rodent infestation and the damage they cause increases the risk of fire damage, mold issues, and water damage occurring in a structure they live in. 

As rodents move throughout your home, they contaminate food, spread diseases, and leave behind parasites like fleas and ticks. Hantavirus pulmonary syndrome, leptospirosis, rat-bite fever, tularemia, and salmonellosis are all spread by rodents. 

Why do I have a rodent problem?

Rodent problems are often associated with homes and businesses in colder country areas. It is a common misconception that rodents only move inside to escape cold weather; rodents are just as problematic in warm sunny Florida as in other areas of the country. 

No matter where they live, rodents will take advantage of the food, water, and shelter people and our properties offer them. Our homes and commercial properties provide rodents with year-round access to food and temperature-controlled shelter; how could they resist!