Palm Rats in Southwest Florida
Southwest Florida has seen a recent increase in palm rat activity in residents’ homes, yards, and even vehicles due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. Read on to learn more about palm rat prevention and what to do if you find an infestation.
Key Takeaways
- Palm rats, also called roof rats, thrive in Florida’s tropical environment and feed mainly on fruit.
- Hurricane Ian displaced many rodents, leading to higher infestations in homes, yards, and vehicles.
- Signs of palm rat activity include droppings, scratching noises, chewed fruit, gnaw marks, and grease trails.
- Prevention includes sealing entry points, trimming trees, storing food properly, and maintaining screens.
- Professional pest control is recommended for damaged homes or ongoing infestations.
What Are Palm Rats?
Palm rats are rats that live in palm trees, as their name suggests. They are common in tropical climates and primarily eat fruit, which makes Southwest Florida an ideal environment for them. These tree rats are also referred to as roof rats, since they often enter homes from above.
Like all rodents, palm rats are persistent in their search for warmth and shelter indoors. They are hazardous pests because they carry diseases and damage property by chewing on belongings and electrical wires.
Palm Rats and Hurricanes
Hurricanes disrupt rat populations by destroying their natural habitats. After Hurricane Ian, many palm rats were displaced and forced to look for new shelter. Combined with the storm damage to local homes, this has created more opportunities for them to invade. Roof damage and other structural vulnerabilities make it easier for palm rats to get inside.
Signs of Palm Rats
It’s important to recognize the signs of palm rat activity around your home, especially with infestations on the rise:
- Visible droppings
- Unusual sounds such as scratching or scurrying
- Chewed-up pieces of fruit inside or outside
- Gnaw marks on outdoor trees
- Grease trails inside
Palm rats can cause expensive damage, so if you notice these signs, or anything else unusual, it’s best to schedule a professional inspection.
Preventing Palm Rat Infestations
You can take preventive steps to make your home less accessible to rats. On a regular basis, be sure to:
- Keep food in closed containers, especially fruit.
- Trim trees near your house to limit access to the roof.
- Seal potential entry points, especially around the roofline.
- Keep screens in good condition and sliding doors closed.
Call Tony’s for Professional Rodent Control
Hurricane damage often makes homes difficult to fully seal, particularly on the roof. While prevention is important, professional rodent control offers the most effective solution.
Tony’s Pest Control provides inspections, prevention, and treatment for palm rats across Southwest Florida. Call today for a free quote and reliable rodent control.