Cotton Rats: How To Get Rid of These Native Florida Rats

Florida’s warm climate supports a wide variety of wildlife—some of which can create big problems for homeowners. One such pest is the cotton rat. While not as well-known as roof rats or house mice, cotton rats are increasingly a concern in residential areas throughout the state. They can damage property, threaten pets, and even carry diseases. If you’re seeing signs of rodents around your home, cotton rats might be to blame.

Let’s dive into the most common questions about these rodents—and how to keep them away from your home.

Q: What are cotton rats and how do I identify them?

Cotton rats, scientifically known as Sigmodon hispidus, are medium-sized rodents commonly found throughout Florida. They typically measure between five and seven inches long, not counting the tail, which is shorter than their body. Their fur is coarse and brownish-gray with a lighter belly, and their snout is blunter than that of a typical house mouse or roof rat.

They’re most active during the early morning and evening hours and prefer outdoor areas with dense vegetation. You’ll often find them near grassy fields, woodpiles, and overgrown landscaping. Unlike house mice, which may prefer indoor environments, cotton rats usually start outdoors before finding their way inside.

A good way to distinguish them from other rodents is by their more grizzled appearance, shorter tail, and preference for ground-level nesting in cluttered or vegetated areas.

Q: Why are cotton rats a problem for Florida homeowners?

Cotton rats may seem harmless at first glance, but they can quickly become a serious issue. Outdoors, they damage gardens by feeding on vegetables and ornamental plants. Indoors, they may gnaw on wiring or insulation, causing costly repairs and fire risks. Even more concerning is their potential to carry diseases, such as hantavirus, which can be transmitted through their droppings, urine, or nesting materials.

Infestations often begin when overgrown yards or nearby fields serve as breeding grounds. Once they establish themselves, cotton rats can move closer to or into homes in search of food and shelter. Early signs to look for include burrow holes along fences or foundations, small droppings in sheds or garages, and visible rodent trails through tall grass or mulch beds.

Q: What attracts cotton rats to my yard or home?

Cotton rats are drawn to areas that offer a reliable mix of food, water, and shelter. If your yard has bird feeders, pet food left outdoors, fallen fruit from trees, or unsecured trash, it could be acting as a buffet for these rodents. Even standing water from leaky hoses or pet bowls can contribute.

Thick ground cover, brush piles, tall grass, or overgrown shrubs provide excellent shelter. From there, they might find their way inside through gaps under doors, vents without screens, or openings in siding or crawlspaces. Once inside, warm and undisturbed areas like garages, sheds, or attic corners make ideal nesting spots.

Q: What are the safest and most effective ways to get rid of cotton rats?

The most effective cotton rat control methods don’t rely on poisons or chemicals. Instead, focus on three proven strategies: habitat modification, exclusion, and trapping.

Start by clearing overgrown vegetation and removing yard clutter such as stacked firewood, brush piles, or unused materials that provide hiding places. Keeping your yard well-maintained reduces shelter opportunities and makes your property less appealing.

Next, inspect your home for entry points. Seal small holes or cracks with hardware cloth or metal flashing. Add door sweeps and cover vents with mesh to block access. These physical barriers are a crucial step in stopping infestations before they start.

When trapping is necessary, snap traps are the most effective and humane option. Baits like peanut butter, oats, or fruit tend to work well. Place traps in areas where you’ve seen signs of activity, such as along walls, near burrows, or close to nesting material. Avoid repellents and fumigants—while commonly marketed for rodent control, they rarely work in the long run and may not be safe for indoor use.

Q: Are poisons or toxicants a good option?

In most cases, no. Using rodenticides in or around the home comes with significant risks. In Florida, there are strict laws about which products can be used, and many require a licensed professional to apply them legally.

Poisons can be harmful to children, pets, and non-target wildlife like owls and snakes. Even if a cotton rat eats the poison and dies, predators or scavengers that eat the carcass may also suffer from secondary poisoning. Additionally, poisoned rodents may die in inaccessible areas of your home, leading to odor problems and further cleanup challenges.

For safety and long-term success, it’s best to skip poisons altogether and focus on prevention and trapping.

Q: How can I prevent cotton rats from coming back?

Prevention is just as important as removal. Once cotton rats are gone, keep them from returning by maintaining a clean and orderly yard. Mow your lawn regularly, trim back shrubs and groundcover, and remove anything that could serve as a shelter or food source.

Store pet food indoors and in sealed containers. Avoid leaving food or trash out overnight, and fix any leaky hoses or irrigation that might be creating water sources.

It’s also a good idea to regularly check for signs of return—such as droppings, fresh burrows, or gnawed materials. Acting early can prevent another full-blown infestation.

Q: When should I call a professional?

If you’re seeing multiple cotton rats, can’t locate the source of the infestation, or have tried DIY methods with no luck, it’s time to call in the pros. A licensed pest control expert can provide a full inspection, create a customized action plan, and ensure the problem is dealt with quickly and safely.

Choosing a professional that avoids poisons and focuses on long-term solutions is key to protecting your family, pets, and local wildlife.

Take Action with Deans Services

Cotton rats may be small, but the problems they bring can quickly grow out of control. If you're dealing with rodent issues or want to prevent future infestations, Deans Services is here to help. We specialize in safe, effective, and environmentally responsible cotton rat control across Florida. From exclusion work to trapping and prevention, we’ll help you reclaim your yard—and your peace of mind.

Contact us today to schedule an inspection and take the first step toward a rodent-free home.

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