[paulascorpio]

I was driving the golf cart today under the bridge into Pinellas and two rats crossed in front of me as I came out of the tunnel onto the turn. Thought I was going to hit them and it grossed me out. I've been here a year and this is the first time I've seen them.

[graciegirl]

Been here eight years and saw one. Been told that they live in Palm trees and they are sometimes called. Palm rats.


Search Rats in the search function above. We have had some heated discussions about them. Most people never see them.

[Sandtrap328]

All kinds of wildlife here. Rats, squirrels, rabbits, snakes, birds of all kinds, etc. This place has lots of natural habitat for all kinds of animals. Do not leave citrus fruit on the ground, keep your yard clean, and you will not see a rat in your yard. They may be around after dark but you will never know.

Keep the palms trimmed, too.

[missypie]

I see rats all the time. I think they live in Palm trees, but I'm not sure.

[Erika]

I inquired about the subject of rats about a month ago and received some very informative data. Try googling 'palm rats' to learn about their habitat. Unfortunately, they most definitely are a part of TV life. From the posters who replied to my query, I gathered that some Villagers have not encountered them while others have had issues.

[REDCART]

We were distracted one Sunday evening and left our garage door open for two hours. We knew we had attracted a rodent because I could hear it. Called Dean's the next day who set glue traps along the walls. Sure enough we caught a small rat. We've never left our garage door open again. Once was enough! Neighbors have had rats cut up by the fans in their AC compressors. I've also heard Palm tree trimmers say they've seen plenty of rat's nesting in the dead fronds atop palm trees. So you better believe they're a very real part of the FL environment.

[Medtrans]

I've seen 3 this week, 2 at an outdoor patio of 2 different country club restaurants while we were sitting outside. Yuck.

[Jaggy]

Today we saw one rat mashed on the golf cart path on Buena Vista.. also 2 squirrels mashed.. it was Rodents 3 Vs Humans O...

[Jaggy]

Wait.. that should be Rodent 0 vs. Humans 3 ??

[TimH25]

No place on earth is rat free.

[Chatbrat]

We have a resident snake living in our bamboo & bushes---he or she will take care of rats,etc.

[mickey100]

The rats are certainly here - they are one of the leading rodent pests in Florida. Fruit is one of their main food sources. They can do a lot of damage if they get in your attic or garage.

[red tail]

SSWEC120/UW120: Control of Roof Rats in Fruit Trees

[john1953]

I had a rat problem that it was chewing up wires inside my cars motor.My check engine light came on and when I took the car in to see whats going on the guy showed me where the rats were chewing the wires.I can`t park my car in the garage so I was at the mercy of these rats.I put a tray of poison on the engine and the rat problem was solved.Benn over a year now with no chewed wires.

[HimandMe]

Feed those rescue and release feral cats to keep them around. They can be identified by one slightly clipped ear. They have been immunized, fixed and otherwise treated. Better a cat than a bunch of rats running amuck.