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

Common Rats & Mice

While there are thousands of types of rodents, there are just four that are infamous for infesting homes and businesses:

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.
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.

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.

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. To determine what type of rodent is infesting your home or business in Florida, always reach out to your local rodent exterminators for help.

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