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Identifying the Types of Rodents in Florida
The rodent family, or the order Rodentia, is made up of over 2,000 species that are subdivided into many families. The largest of these families is the Muridae, which contains nearly two-thirds of all rodents, mice and rats included.
Here in Florida, we are home to many types of rodents. The most common include the following:
- House mice
- Deer mice
- Norway rats
- Roof rats
- Pack rats
- Meadow voles
- Squirrels
Types of Rats in Florida
While there are thousands of types of rodents, these are the most common rats infamous for infesting homes and businesses.
- Norway rat: Likely the biggest nuisance rat, the Norway rat is known for burrowing beneath homes. They can cause a significant amount of damage and are vectors of many diseases.
- Roof rat: As their name suggests, roof rats often get inside homes and businesses by first accessing the roof. Also known as ship or black rats, they are historically associated with bubonic plague.
- Pack rat: Sometimes called “wood rats”, pack rats are known for collecting shiny objects and nesting in outdoor structures like sheds, garages, and woodpiles.
Large Rodents in Florida
Norway rats are some of the largest rodents found in Florida. They can grow up to 9 inches in body length, excluding their tails. Known for their burrowing habits, these rats often cause structural damage and are notorious for gnawing on wood, wires, and piping.
While smaller than Norway rats, roof rats are still sizable, with large ears and slender bodies measuring 6-8 inches long. Their exceptional climbing abilities make them a common problem in elevated spaces such as attics, roofs, and trees.
These large rodents are highly adaptable and can create significant issues in urban and rural settings.
What Type of Rodent Do I Have?
Identifying the rodent species you have in your home is a job best left to the professionals. While nuisance rodents aren’t typically aggressive, they can create and leave a hazardous environment behind with their nests and droppings. Not addressing your rodent infestation issue can lead to health issues, too; learn more about the diseases mice and rats carry.
To determine what type of rodent is infesting your home or business in Florida, always reach out to your local rodent exterminators for help. They can determine whether your infestation involves one of the common rodents mentioned on this page or a less common species found in the Florida region, such as deer mice, gophers, cotton rats, or others.
If you need help starting out, check out our rodent identification guides.
Types of Mice in Florida
Florida is home to several species of mice, which thrive in the state’s warm climate and diverse habitats. These small rodents can invade homes, businesses, and outdoor structures, causing damage and potentially spreading diseases. The most common mice in Florida include:
- House mouse: Found nationwide, small house mice nest in dark, secluded areas, are excellent climbers, and are known to chew on electrical wires inside homes.
- Deer mouse: These mice prefer to nest outdoors, often in rural areas. When they do infest homes, they are considered dangerous due to their ability to carry and transmit Hantavirus.
To learn more about these rodents and the risks they pose, check out our article: Are mice dangerous?
Small Rodents in Florida
Both house and deer mice are small rodents that can invade properties in search of food and shelter. These tiny creatures, usually only a few inches long, squeeze through small gaps and cracks, making them challenging to keep out.
While they might seem less intimidating than larger rodents, their rapid reproduction and gnawing habits can lead to considerable damage and contamination in homes and businesses.
Learn more about where mice and rats live.
Other Rodent Species
Rodents include more than your typical house mouse or rat. There are a wide variety of rodents: chipmunks, woodchucks, squirrels, gophers, voles, and even porcupines!
For the most part, these species are rarely considered pests. However, squirrels, voles, and the occasional gopher or chipmunk can wreak havoc in your yard or even make their way into your attic. If this is the case, it’s important to always contact your local wildlife control expert.
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