Rodent Control & Prevention in South Florida
At ReliaPro Pest Control, we understand the importance of protecting your home and business from rodents. Rodents are not only a nuisance, but they can also pose serious health risks by carrying diseases, contaminating food, and causing structural damage. In South Florida, rodent infestations can be especially troublesome due to the region's warm climate, which encourages rodent activity year-round.
We provide comprehensive rodent control and prevention services to ensure your home or business is free from these pests. Our team of experts is equipped to handle all types of rodent problems, using safe and effective methods to eliminate and prevent infestations.
Types of Rodents in South Florida
South Florida is home to several rodent species that can invade your property. Here are the most common ones:
1. Roof Rats (Rattus rattus)
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Common Names: Black rat, Ship rat, Fruit rat
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Appearance: Roof rats are smaller than Norway rats, with long tails, large ears, and a sleek, dark-colored body.
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Habitat: They typically nest in attics, trees, and high places. They prefer to live above ground and can easily access roofs and higher structures.
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Signs of Infestation: Droppings near food sources, gnaw marks on wires and wood, sounds of scurrying at night, and greasy smudge marks along walls or entry points.
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Health Risks: Roof rats can carry diseases like leptospirosis and salmonella. They also contaminate food with urine, feces, and hair.
2. Norway Rats (Rattus norvegicus)
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Common Names: Brown rat, Sewer rat, Wharf rat
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Appearance: Larger than roof rats, Norway rats are stocky with short ears, blunt noses, and a thick body. They have gray or brown fur.
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Habitat: They prefer lower areas, such as basements, sewers, and crawl spaces, but can be found in kitchens or garbage areas.
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Signs of Infestation: Chewed wires, holes in walls, gnawed food containers, visible droppings, and musky odor.
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Health Risks: Norway rats are known for spreading diseases like hantavirus, rat-bite fever, and leptospirosis. They are also known for contaminating food supplies.
3. House Mice (Mus musculus)
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Common Names: Common house mouse, Domestic mouse
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Appearance: House mice are small with gray or brown fur, large ears, and a long, thin tail.
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Habitat: Mice seek shelter in homes, especially in hidden areas like walls, attics, and behind appliances. They are particularly attracted to food sources.
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Signs of Infestation: Gnaw marks, droppings along walls or in drawers, shredded paper, and visible nests made of fabric or insulation.
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Health Risks: House mice can spread diseases such as salmonella, hantavirus, and even trigger allergic reactions.
4. Squirrels (Sciuridae)
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Common Names: Eastern gray squirrel, Fox squirrel, Flying squirrel
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Appearance: Squirrels are larger than rats and mice, with bushy tails and fur ranging from gray to brown.
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Habitat: They are often found in attics, roofs, and sometimes inside walls. They are skilled at climbing and can easily enter through small openings.
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Signs of Infestation: Scratching or scampering noises in the attic, visible gnaw marks on wires or insulation, and squirrel droppings in concealed spaces.
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Health Risks: Squirrels can spread diseases like leptospirosis and rabies, and they can cause structural damage by chewing on wires or wood.
Signs of Rodent Infestation
Identifying a rodent infestation early can help prevent more serious damage to your property. Here are common signs to watch for:
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Droppings: Small, dark pellets are often found near food sources or nesting areas.
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Gnaw Marks: Rodents chew on food packaging, furniture, or wiring to keep their teeth from growing too long.
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Scratching Noises: Noises coming from walls, attics, or ceilings, especially at night, indicate rodents moving around.
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Nests: Rodents create nests from shredded materials, such as paper, fabric, and insulation.
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Odors: A musky or ammonia-like smell often accompanies a rodent infestation.
Ant Prevention
Tips
At ReliaPro Pest Control, we follow a systematic approach to eliminate rodents and prevent future infestations:
1. Inspection
Our licensed professionals conduct a thorough inspection of your property to identify signs of rodent activity, entry points, and nesting areas.
2. Identification
We accurately identify the type of rodent infestation. Different species may require tailored control methods.
3. Treatment
Using safe, humane, and effective techniques, we deploy traps, bait stations, and exclusion methods to eliminate existing rodents and prevent future problems.
4. Prevention
Our team seals any entry points, repairs damages, and installs preventive measures, such as rodent-proofing vents and openings, ensuring long-term protection.
Rodent Prevention Tips
To avoid a rodent infestation, consider these prevention strategies:
Seal Entry Points
Check for gaps in windows, doors, vents, and around pipes. Seal any cracks with caulk or weatherstripping.
Cleanliness
Keep food sealed in airtight containers and regularly clean up crumbs or spills. Avoid leaving pet food out overnight.
Remove Clutter
Rodents love hiding in piles of debris. Keep basements, attics, and garages tidy to reduce hiding places.
Trim Trees
If you have overhanging branches, trim them to prevent rodents from accessing roofs and attics.
Trim Trees
Have your property inspected by a professional pest control service regularly to ensure no rodents are getting inside.
Why Choose ReliaPro?
Experienced Professionals
Our team possesses extensive knowledge of ant behaviors and effective control methods.
Safe and Effective Solutions
We prioritize the use of treatments that are safe for your family and pets while being environmentally responsible.​
Customer Satisfaction
Dedicated to delivering prompt, reliable service with a focus on achieving lasting results.​