How Do I Prevent Mice From Infesting My Jacksonville, FL Home?

Roof rats are common in Florida and are also known as black, palm, or ship rats. They are climbers and area a medium-sized species with thin, light bodies. Roof rats also have smooth dark brown to black fur, a lighter underbelly, large ears, a pointed nose, and a long scaly tail. Like most other rat species, roof rats’ tails are longer than their bodies.

This species is not one any homeowner wants in their home. They can spread many dangerous diseases and cause extensive damage. This is why as a Jacksonville, Florida homeowner, you should know more about the problems roof rats can cause if they infest, how to prevent them, and how is the best way to get rid of them is.

Dangers Of Roof Rats

Roof rats have lived close to humans for centuries, reaping the benefits that all humans have to offer, including easy access to food, available water, and plenty of places to nest. Although this may be ideal for these rodents, it is far from desirable for people. Roof rats are dangerous pests that can make people sick and ruin their property. Also, as roof rats are referred to as good climbers, they can access buildings along the rooflines, making prevention much more difficult. 

Roof Rat Damages:

• Using attic insulation and other materials to nest in
• Chewing through pipes and wires causing fires and floods
• Enlarging small holes into more significant entries
• Damage your personal belongings

Roof Rat Health Concerns:

• Chewing through food packaging and contaminating human and pet foods
• Spreading diseases like salmonellosis, rat-bite fever, plague, leptospirosis, and typhus
• Spreading parasites such as tapeworms, roundworms, and fleas
• Increasing symptoms of allergies

Roof Rat Prevention

While it can be challenging to prevent pests like roof rats, there are several tips you can use to lower the chances of these rodents being attracted to your property and getting inside. Tips you should consider:

Seal Potential Entry Points:

• Install a chimney cap and put covers over ventilation points
• Fill in gaps where utility lines and pipes enter your home
• Seal cracks in the foundation, external walls, and roofline of your home
• Trim trees so they are not touching your home

Reduce Harborage Areas:

• Keep grass, shrubs, and bushes  trimmed
• Store woodpiles away from your property
• Remove any other yard debris

Remove Food Sources:

• Store human and pet food in air-tight containers
• Don’t leave pet food or dirty dishes out overnight
• Sweep, vacuum, and clean surfaces regularly to remove crumbs and spills
• Clean under heavy appliances and inside cupboards often
• Take the garbage out regularly and use bins with tight-fitting lids
• Pick up fallen fruit on your property and keep gardens from overgrowing

Remove Water Sources:

• Fix leaking faucets and pipes
• Clean out gutters
• Remove standing water from the interior and exterior of your home
• Fix any wood that is water damaged

Professional Roof Rat Control

If you need more advice or assistance regarding roof rats, you should contact Lindsey Pest Services. Our experts will cover roof rats on your property through trapping, removal, monitoring, and exclusion. We also provide odor removal and rodent clean-up services to ensure that you are not left with any lasting effects of an infestation. Give us a call today at Lindsey Pest Services to learn more about our rodent control services and how we can help your Jacksonville, Florida property.