November 4, 2025

How Rodent Infestations Can Harm Your Home And Health

As winter arrives and the temperatures in Tampa Bay dip, rats and mice start looking for warm places to settle in. Your home offers everything they want: shelter, food, and comfort. Spotting a single rodent could mean there are many more hiding nearby.

Rodent infestations can spread illnesses, damage your home, and cause serious stress for your family. Learn how to protect your health, home, and peace of mind, and how Anti-Pesto Bug Killers, Tampa Bay’s local rodent control experts, can help.

signs of rodents in a home

Common Signs of Rodents in Your Tampa Bay Home

Before rodents cause serious harm, they leave behind telltale clues:

If you notice any of these signs, contact Anti-Pesto Bug Killers for a same-day inspection; we’ve been helping Tampa Bay homeowners stop rodent infestations fast for over 30 years.

How Rodents Can Affect Your Family’s Health

Rats and mice aren’t just unsettling; they can spread dangerous pathogens. In warm, humid areas like Tampa Bay, rodent activity often increases as the weather changes, thereby increasing the risk of exposure.

Rat-Bite Fever

You don’t need to be bitten to contract this infection; simply handling or coming into contact with a contaminated surface can spread it. Early symptoms include fever, rash, and joint pain. Left untreated, the illness can become quite serious. 

Salmonella

Rodent droppings can contaminate food and kitchen surfaces. Once infected, you may experience nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. This is especially risky for children and older adults.

Leptospirosis

This bacterial disease spreads through rodent urine or saliva and can lead to severe liver or kidney complications.

Allergens and Asthma Triggers

In major cities like Tampa, high rodent populations contribute to airborne allergens, aggravating asthma and sinus symptoms.

How Rodents Damage Homes Across Tampa Bay

Rodents are relentless chewers, and once they gain entry, they can cause costly and hazardous damage.

Chewing on Wires and Insulation

Mice and rats often gnaw through electrical wires to keep their teeth short—creating a serious fire hazard.

Structural and Pipe Damage

From drywall and insulation to plastic and even metal pipes, rodents can chew through materials that compromise your home’s structure and cause leaks or flooding.

Contaminated Insulation and Air Ducts

In attic spaces common in Florida homes, rodent nests can damage insulation, spreading bacteria and odor throughout your HVAC system.

How Rodents Affect Your Comfort and Peace of Mind

Hearing noises at night, finding droppings, or smelling musty odors can make you feel uneasy in your own home. On top of that, ruined food and chewed belongings are frustrating reminders that you’re not alone in your space.

Rodents tend to target kitchens and pantries, especially in older homes or those near water or wooded areas. Keep all food sealed, clean up spills quickly, and contact Anti-Pesto Bug Killers if you notice signs of rodents in or around your home.

Why Tampa Bay Homeowners Trust Anti-Pesto Bug Killers

When it comes to rodent control in Tampa Bay, no one knows local pests better than Anti-Pesto Bug Killers. We’ve been protecting homes in Tampa, Clearwater Beach, St. Petersburg, and the Tampa Bay area since 1988 with effective and guaranteed solutions.

Here’s why homeowners choose us:

Take Back Your Home with Expert Rodent Control in Tampa Bay

Don’t wait until rodents cause damage or spread disease. Protect your home and your health today.

Call Anti-Pesto Bug Killers or schedule your inspection online for fast, local rodent control service in Tampa Bay. We’ll eliminate the problem and make sure it doesn’t come back.

This blog was originally published on November 9, 2023, and has been updated to include new information.

What Anti-Pesto Customers Are Saying

largo florida customer

From the first contact call the staff was very professional, courteous and informative. We discussed the issues and set a plan with an appointment within a couple days. Shane, our technician, was very prompt and courteous. Very informative during the inspection process and strategically put a deterrent plan in place. I would highly recommend Anti-Pesto Bug Killers.

Jim J.

Largo, FL

Largo Florida Customer

We had a wasp infestation in our backyard shed. Anti-Pesto responded immediately and were out to our place within about two hours and took care of everything thoroughly. They will even follow-up again within two weeks to be sure that the problem does not recur. They are awesome!

Daniel Z.

Largo, FL

Anti-Pesto Customer

Amazing quality work. I’ve had a few pest control companies spray and ants would still enter our home and act as roommates. Sam Hurtado is our technician and he answers everything with knowledge and always brings quality work. Even if there was recent pest work they always arrange if I have issues. Thank you!!

Trish N.

Tampa, FL

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