The Rat Riviera

Yesterday we brought you the warm, friendly story of the rats infesting the Miami International Airport. But lest you think all of the repulsive rodents are globe trotting jet-setters, we'd like to point out that they also vacation closer to home. On the Rat Riviera in Brevard county, Florida. They take up residence in the beachfront homes there.

Experts suggested that one of the causes may be newer landscaping coming of age and being used as a food source by the rats. Also, fewer snakes and birds of prey, along with more beachside construction, may be reasons for the infestation.

"Probably a little bit of all the above," said Linda Seals, a horticulture agent at Brevard County Extension Service in Palm Bay.

Whatever the reasons, given Florida?s fertile climate for year-round breeding of all sorts of unwanted creatures, experts warn that any home, anywhere, could be next.

"If you're anywhere in Florida, you're likely to have roof rats at some time," said William Kern, a biologist at University of Florida who studies urban pest control.

Residents in South Shores, however, said they're sorry it's their turn.

"Everybody on the street had them," said Alex Adamcewicz of Beach Elder Way.

Roof rats love the crowns of palm trees, especially queen palms such as those that grace many of the 138 homes in South Shores.

They gobble the globe-like fruit that dangles from the palms. They also have a sweet tooth for ripe oranges, or for any fruit, vegetable, grain or nut, for that matter.

And when a wind comes up, it's raining rats! We've mentioned the outbreak of activity by the roof rats (rattus rattus) recently. It's all part of the Animal Uprising™ planning for their themed celebrations next year to coincide with the year of the rat. But it could be worse, we suppose. Just think what would happen if there was a year of the Saint Bernard. They really cause a lot of damage when they hurtle down from a great height.