Rodents are notoriously everywhere. Due to their rapid breeding habits and invasive nature, it is impossible to keep them out of residential and commercial properties for good. But what makes something a rodent? The word “rodent” comes from the Latin word “rodere” which means “to gnaw.” Rodents are differentiated from other animals because of their teeth – their incisors are special in that they never stop growing.
Those living in Florida are all too familiar with rodents and the damage caused by their gnawing. Chances are, you’ve probably had an experience with one of these 3 most common rodents in the state. If you ever see any of the following rodents in or around your home, you may want to call the experts at Critter Control® of Tampa to inspect your home.
House Mouse
When you think of a picture in your head of a mouse, you are likely imagining the house mouse. This species of mouse weighs about 1.5 oz and they are generally a shade of brown. They are easy to pick out from the other two rats because they are much smaller at only about 3 inches long and they have a thin layer of hair on their tails. Their small size allows them to squeeze through narrow cracks and small holes in the exterior of houses, and they can live comfortably even within the walls of homes.
Black Rat
The black rat goes by many names: ship rat, house rat, or roof rat. The common name “black rat” itself is a bit misleading since this rat can be black or different shades of brown. From the nose to the tip of the tail, the black rat can easily grow to more than a foot long and up to about half a pound. In Florida, these rats are known to be drawn towards fruit trees.
Brown Rat
The brown rat also goes by many names: Norwegian rat, common rat, sewer rat, and water rat, just to list a few. This common rodent is one of the largest rats. On average they can be over a foot and a half long and weigh over a pound and a half. Like the black rat, they too can be many different colors ranging from brown to grey. These rats prefer grains over fruit but are opportunistic eaters as well.
Any of these rodents sound familiar? If you suspect that rats or mice are living in your home, call the industry-leading rodent control company, Critter Control®. Our Tampa branch can identify any infestations and come up with a plan to rid your house of the pests and restore it to its normal condition. For a free consultation, give us a call today.
