Roof Rats Florida

What are palm rats.

Roof rats florida.

Fruit is one of their main food sources. They are climbers and prefer to nest off the ground in trees like palms which is how they got their common name. Roof rats will eat smaller portions of food compared to norway rats. Also known as black rats as well as palm rats fruit rats or citrus rats because of their largely vegetarian diets roof rats are the most common type of rat that is found in florida.

Roof rats are identified by a number of different names including palm rats fruit rats citrus rats and black rats. Yes there are many types of rats and palm rats are a nightmare for many house and property owners as they are known to be one of the leading pests in florida. Roof rats are long and thin rodents that have large eyes and ears a pointed nose and a scaly tail. When it comes to roof rats it is important to understand what they look like.

This rat is the same species that carried the bubonic plague around the world and is also the reservoir host for murine typhus. Their undersides are often white gray or black. The roof rat is the most common type of rat found in south florida. They will eat snails slugs and insects as well.

Palm rats are also known as roof rats citrus rats black rats and ship rats belong to the muridae family of the rodent species. Roof rats have soft and smooth fur that is typically brown with intermixed spots of black. Roof rats will eat meat and grain but their preferences are fresh fruits vegetables seeds and nuts. Roof rats are excellent climbers and they often prefer to build their nests up high in attics or in beams near the roof.

For the most part they are vegetarian although they will eat almost anything that is available. Naturally they will eat in several different places which will be an important strategy when you bait and trap. Adult roof rats measure 6 8 16 20 cm when combining their head and body length. Roof rats are the worst rodent pest in the state of florida and most abundant.

It was brought to america on the first ships to reach the new world and has spread around the world. In south florida there are several species of rats. Roof rats also known as palm rats palm tree rats black rats ship rats or house rats are the leading rodent pest in florida and in other tropical climates.