Taking a proactive approach to pest control has become more important than ever to keep your business operating, thanks to the millions of rodents across the U.S. Regardless of your company’s industry, stopping infestations before they start helps maintain standards, preserves your reputation, and keeps your space clean.

Understanding the rodents you could encounter, the damage they can cause, and the most effective prevention strategies will strengthen your business long-term. Here’s what you need to know to stay ahead of infestations.

Persistent Feeding

Norway rats, Roof rats, and House mice survive by taking advantage of human and animal resources without offering anything in return, a behavior known as commensalism. Their presence can result in lost inventory, reputation damage, and interference with daily operations.

Always searching for their next meal, these adaptable rodents will seize any available food source. Whether your business is in food supply, food service, retail, hospitality, or property management, you must stay vigilant to keep them under control. Conduct regular rodent inspections as a part of your daily routine, to catch early warning signs and lower the risk of an infestation.

House Mice

Mice are constantly searching for food and a warm place to nest. Their fur varies from light brown to dark gray, and they typically range from 2 to 5 inches in length. With the ability to squeeze through gaps as small as a pencil, sealing every opening, no matter how small, is required to keep them out.

Mice are nocturnal, so they are typically active at night, which could make them difficult to spot during the day. However, you can notice signs of their presence, such as gnawed baseboards, damaged food packaging or cardboard boxes, and droppings. Mouse droppings are roughly a quarter inch long, pointed at both ends, and often appear in clusters.

Although mice will eat almost anything, they are particularly drawn to carbohydrate-rich foods such as grains, oats, rice, fruits, and seeds. They prefer to build nests near reliable food sources, often settling inside walls close to kitchens, pantries, and storage areas.

How to reduce Mice:

1. Close all gaps and cracks to prevent entry, reinforcing openings with steel wool.
2. Maintain a clear perimeter by trimming trees and shrubs to reduce contact with the building.
3. Regularly clean and disinfect kitchens and food prep areas to remove interest.
4. Keep food in tightly sealed containers and store it off the ground.

Once you notice signs of a rodent infection, it’s best to get a further investigation. Contact us today for an expert opinion. 

Norway Rats

Norway rats, commonly called brown rats, street rats, or sewer rats, are resourceful scavengers that will consume nearly anything available. Guided by their sharp sense of smell, they follow scent trails to locate food. These rodents can grow up to 11 inches long, have brown or gray fur, and can squeeze through openings as small as ¾ of an inch. With a fast breeding cycle, a single female can produce up to five litters per year, bringing rapid population expansion wherever they go.

Norway rats are burrowers and prefer underground environments, often making basements and crawl spaces into their nests.

These rodents pose major health concerns, as they can carry pathogens that may contaminate food and inventory. Watch for signs of their presence, such as gnaw marks, greasy streaks along frequently traveled routes, and rustling sounds behind walls. Their droppings are larger, pellet-shaped, and less abundant than those left by mice.

How to reduce Norway rats: 

1. Fix leaks and dripping faucets to remove moisture that attracts pests.
2. Regularly clean trash bins and keep dumpsters tightly closed.
3. Cut back overgrown vegetation around the building to limit potential hiding spots for rats.
4. Store food in sealed containers and avoid leaving it exposed overnight.

Roof Rats

Roof rats tend to stay outdoors, but may venture inside while searching for food and shelter. If they do wander indoors, they typically nest in attics, rooftops, and chimneys. With excellent climbing abilities, they navigate tree branches and power lines to access buildings or squeeze through openings as small as a quarter.

These rodents have fur ranging from light to dark brown and are slightly smaller than Norway rats, reaching up to 8 inches in length. While they prefer seeds and plant-based foods, their constant search for another meal means they’ll eat whatever is available. Their sharp teeth enable them to chew through plastic, soft metals, and other barriers to access food. They’re also known for stockpiling supplies.

Signs of an infestation include gnaw marks, electrical damage from chewed wires inside walls and ceilings, greasy smudges along frequently traveled routes, and droppings about ½ inch long with pointed ends.

How to reduce Roof rats:

1. Trim tree branches to prevent rats from accessing the roof and finding entry points into the building.
2. Check the roof for any gaps or cracks, and seal them thoroughly.
3. Maintain cleanliness in food preparation areas and store all food in tightly sealed containers.
4. Regularly remove trash and waste, ensuring dumpsters remain securely closed.

Start Your Commercial Pest Control Journey

A rodent problem can escalate quickly without professional intervention. Partnering with a pest control expert like Florida Pest Control helps protect your business in both the present, and the future. A trained technician will inspect your property, identify the rodent species, and implement targeted strategies for removal and ongoing prevention.

One of the most obvious signs of an infestation is spotting a live or dead rodent. If you see a mouse or rat near your business, take action immediately by reaching out to a pest control specialist.

Have you seen any signs of rodent activity? Contact us today to schedule a service.