Finding a rat in your home or business is more than a nuisance—it’s an emergency. Rats are notorious for chewing through electrical wiring (a leading cause of house fires), destroying attic insulation, and spreading dangerous diseases. In Ocala, The Villages, and Marion County, our unique landscape supports several different species of rats that require specialized removal techniques.

At Pest 911, our licensed and insured technicians have the advanced training and specialized equipment to remove rodents and, more importantly, keep them out for good.

Common Rats Found in Central Florida

Identifying the specific rodent in your home is the first step toward a successful treatment. Each species has different nesting habits and food preferences.

1. Roof Rats (The Attic Dwellers)

Roof rats are the most common species we encounter in Ocala. True to their name, they are excellent climbers and prefer to nest in high places like attics, rafters, and soffits.

• Appearance: Sleek, dark brown or black fur, large ears, and a tail that is longer than their body.

• Signs: Grease marks along walls, scratching sounds in the ceiling at night, and chewed wires or PVC pipes.

2. Norway Rats (The Burrowers)

While they prefer to stay outdoors in burrows, Norway rats will invade basements or crawl spaces if they find an entry point near the ground.

• Appearance: Larger and heavier than roof rats (up to 16 inches), with shaggy gray or brown fur and a scaly tail that is shorter than their body.

• Signs: Large burrows along the foundation or heavy gnaw marks on lower-level storage areas.

3. Wood Rats (The “Pack Rats”)

Famous for their “hamster-like” appearance, wood rats are nicknamed “Pack Rats” because they love to steal small, shiny objects to bring back to their nests.

• Appearance: Soft, fine fur and—unlike other rats—a furry, non-scaly tail.

• Behavior: They create large, messy nests (middens) and are often found in sheds, garages, or woodpiles.

The Dangers of a Rat Infestation

Rats are a triple threat to your property and health:

• Structural Damage: Their teeth never stop growing, so they must gnaw on wood, plastic, and wires to keep them down.

• Health Risks: Rats are known carriers of Salmonella, Hantavirus, and Leptospirosis.

• Secondary Pests: Rats often “hitchhike” other pests into your home, including fleas, ticks, and mites.

The Pest 911 “No-Entry” Strategy

Trapping a rat is only half the battle. If you don’t seal the entry points, new rodents will simply take their place. Our professional rodent service includes:

1. Comprehensive Inspection: We find the entry points—some as small as a quarter—where rats are getting in.

2. Professional Trapping: We use humane and effective methods to remove the current population.

3. Exclusion (Seal-Up): We use rodent-proof materials to seal gaps in your roofline, vents, and foundation.

4. Sanitation: We provide recommendations for cleaning and decontaminating attic spaces to remove pheromones that attract other rats.

Don’t Share Your Home with Rodents

If you hear scratching in your walls or find droppings in your pantry, don’t wait. A small rat problem can become a massive infestation in just a few months.

Hear Something in the Attic? Trust the leading rodent experts in Ocala and The Villages. Contact Pest 911 today at 352-629-9111 for a professional inspection and a permanent rodent solution!

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