Hearing scratching in your walls or finding droppings in your attic? You might have wood rats—also called pack rats—setting up shop in your South Florida home. These pests chew wires, leave messes, and can carry diseases, making them a serious problem. At On Demand Pest Control, we’ve got the steps to kick them out and keep them gone.
Signs of a Wood Rat Infestation
Wood rats are sneaky, but they leave clues:
- Scratching noises in walls or attics
- Droppings and urine stains
- Chewed wires, wood, or insulation
- Nests made of twigs and debris
Spot these signs? It’s time to act fast before they cause more damage.
How to Get Rid of Wood Rats
Here’s a step-by-step plan to reclaim your home:
- Seal Entry Points
Wood rats squeeze through gaps as small as ¼ inch, often in eaves, crawl spaces, or rooflines. Inspect your home and seal openings with caulk and steel wool—they can’t chew through it. This is a key part of keeping them out for good. - Use Snap Traps with Bait
Snap traps work best for catching wood rats. Place them along walls where you see activity—rats like to hug edges. Bait with peanut butter or dried fruit, which they can’t resist. Set the bait end facing the wall for the best results. - Clean Up Droppings Safely
Rat droppings and nests attract more pests and spread pathogens. Wear gloves and a mask, and avoid vacuuming—wet cleaning is safer to prevent airborne particles. For big infestations, professional sanitation might be needed. - Remove Outdoor Attractions
Your yard might be a wood rat buffet. Clear fallen fruit, store pet food indoors, seal trash, and trim back overgrown vegetation or wood piles. Without food and shelter, they’ll look elsewhere. - Call the Experts
DIY traps help, but wood rats are persistent. If the problem lingers, On Demand Pest Control offers comprehensive solutions—inspections, trapping, exclusion, and prevention—to stop infestations in their tracks.
Quick Wood Rat Control Chart
| Method | Target Area | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| Seal Entry Points | Eaves, rooflines | Blocks access to your home |
| Snap Traps | Along walls, attics | Catches rats effectively |
| Clean Droppings | Infested areas | Reduces health risks, attraction |
| Remove Food Sources | Yard, trash | Makes your property less appealing |
| Professional Help | Whole home | Ensures long-term results |
Search “wood rats South Florida” to spot these tips in action.
Why Avoid Certain Methods?
- Rat Poison Indoors: It can lead to dead rats rotting in walls, causing odors for weeks, and poses risks to pets or kids.
- Repellents Like Peppermint Oil: They don’t work long-term—rats adapt quickly.
- Glue Traps: Inhumane and often ineffective for larger rats.
The Risks of Wood Rats in South Florida
Wood rats are climbers, chewing through wires (a fire hazard) and contaminating spaces with droppings that may carry diseases like hantavirus. South Florida’s warm climate lets them thrive year-round, making prevention crucial.
