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The Florida Department of Health works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county, and community efforts.

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Rodent Harborage

Florida Department of Health

Environmental Public Health

Environmental Public Health provides educational materials and recommends control measures for rodents.

The most common rodent pests around Florida homes are:

  • House mouse
  • Roof rat
  • Sewer rat

Rats and mice can carry serious diseases, including:

  • Hantavirus
  • Leptospirosis
  • Plague
  • Rat Bite Fever
  • Salmonella
  • Typhus

Common signs of rodent infestation include:

  • Gnawing marks on wood, plastic, metal, pipes, and foodstuffs
  • Droppings and urine stains in feeding areas
  • Dark grease stains from the rat's fur on pipes, wires, shelves, and entrance holes
  • Tail and footprint marks in dust debris
  • Nests