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South Florida’s mild winters mean rodents never really slow down. Two species cause most of the trouble here: roof rats, which climb trees, palms and utility lines to get into attics, and Norway rats, which burrow along foundations and come in at ground level.
Rodents reproduce quickly, contaminate food, chew wiring and insulation, and can spread disease — so the sooner you spot them, the easier they are to stop. Here’s what to look for.
1. Droppings
Rodent droppings are the most common sign. Look along walls, inside cabinets and pantries, behind appliances, in the garage and in the attic. Fresh droppings are dark and moist; older ones turn gray and crumbly.
A few droppings in one spot usually means rodents are using that area as a regular path.
2. Scratching or Running Noises at Night
Rats are most active after dark. Scratching, scurrying or thumping sounds in the ceiling, walls or attic — especially between dusk and early morning — are a classic roof rat warning sign.
3. Gnaw Marks and Chewed Wires
Rodents gnaw constantly to keep their teeth short. Check for chewed corners on doors and baseboards, holes in food packaging, and damaged wiring or AC lines in the attic and garage. Chewed wiring is a real fire hazard and should be inspected right away.
4. Grease Marks and Runways
Rats travel the same routes every night and leave dark, greasy rub marks along walls, beams and entry holes. Outdoors, look for worn paths in the grass or burrows along the foundation, under slabs and beneath dense landscaping.
5. Chewed Fruit and Nests
Roof rats love fruit trees. Half-eaten mangoes, avocados, citrus or coconuts — on the tree or on the ground — are a strong sign they’re nearby. Shredded paper, fabric or insulation tucked into a hidden corner is likely a nest.
How to Keep Rodents Out
- Trim trees and palms so branches don’t touch or hang over the roof.
- Seal entry points — gaps around pipes, AC lines, vents, soffits and garage doors. A rat can squeeze through an opening about the size of a quarter.
- Pick up fallen fruit and don’t leave pet food outside overnight.
- Keep garbage sealed in bins with tight-fitting lids.
- Clear clutter in garages, sheds and along the foundation where rodents can hide.
What to Do If You Spot Any of These Signs
If you see one rodent, there are likely more nearby. Store-bought traps may catch a few, but they rarely solve the problem if entry points stay open.
At Low Cost Services Inc., our Rodent Control service includes a thorough inspection, strategically placed bait stations, and exclusion to seal the entry points rodents are using — so they don’t come back. We’ve been protecting South Florida homes since 1983, from Miami-Dade and Broward through Palm Beach and Key Largo.
Hearing noises in the attic? Call us at +1 305-498-8280 or request a free estimate online.
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