Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Alachua rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Alachua, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Alachua homes and businesses, from the older houses near Historic Main Street to newer homes bordering Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock and rural properties on the farmland edges. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
Licensed& InsuredFlorida pest control license
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
LocalAlachua County teamResponse across the county
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Alachua.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Alachua
Why Alachua Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Alachua sits north of Gainesville between open farmland and the Santa Fe River, with Interstate 75 passing along the west side of town. That mix of row crops and pasture, mature tree cover, an older downtown, and newer subdivisions near Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park gives rats and mice a lot of ground to cross to reach a house.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Alachua. They travel through oak canopy and along fence lines near downtown, then get onto rooflines and into attics through soffit gaps and vents. In the historic homes along and near Main Street, older siding and attic vents give them an easy way in.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water and cover. We find them near the Santa Fe River drainage north of town, along farm fences and sheds on the outskirts, and in garages and foundation gaps in newer block homes near Turkey Creek and the San Felasco Hammock border. Every part of Alachua has its own reason for rodent activity, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Alachua
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Alachua
Most Alachua jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic and crawl space rat removal for Alachua homes, from older houses near downtown to newer homes near Turkey Creek.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for businesses along Main Street and in the Progress Corporate Park area.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, vents, pipe gaps and foundation openings with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, foundation sealing and tree trimming advice for Alachua homes and farm buildings.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Alachua Home
Rodents move at night, so most Alachua homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the garage or attic
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and irrigation lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Damaged feed or stored grain
Torn feed sacks, gnawed bins or scattered grain in sheds and barns on farm properties around Alachua are a common rat sign.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Alachua Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Alachua, Norway rats show up near the Santa Fe River drainage, farm fences and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, barns and along creek banks
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Alachua starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Sheds, barns and farm outbuildings on rural lots
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and stored feed
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During an Alachua Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built and how close it sits to farmland or preserve land.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes near downtown
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under raised homes, and burrows along fence lines
- Sheds, barns, feed storage and woodpiles
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Gaps along property lines that border farmland or preserve land
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Alachua Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water after heavy rain near farm ditches can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Alachua Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only farms and rural lots get rats
- Fact: Homes near downtown Main Street get rats too. Rats come for shelter and food, not just open land.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A barn cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or a barn are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from nearby trees, fields and farm buildings.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Rats in a shed or barn | Openings usually stay unsealed | Perimeter sealing and bait stations |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
Who we serve in Alachua
Rodent Control for Alachua Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Alachua
From older homes near Historic Main Street to newer construction bordering Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock Preserve, each Alachua home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Historic homes
- Farm properties
- Block and stucco homes
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Alachua
Shops and restaurants along Main Street, biotech and lab buildings in the Progress Corporate Park area near I-75, and farm operations on the outskirts all deal with deliveries, storage buildings and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Lab and office buildings
- Farm buildings
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Loading dock and storage sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks, barns and storage rooms closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Alachua properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Alachua Property
Alachua has homes dating back to the early 1900s downtown, newer subdivisions near preserve land, and working farms on the edges of town. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Older homes near Historic Main Street
- Older wood siding and attic vents with no screens
- Raised foundations on some homes with gaps in skirting
- Mature oak canopy that lets rats reach the roof
- Older soffits and rooflines with wear at the edges
Newer homes and farm properties
- Block-and-stucco homes near Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Barns, sheds and feed storage on farm and rural lots
- Fence lines and field edges that give rats cover close to buildings
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Alachua, Area by Area
Alachua has very different areas within a few miles of each other. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Historic Downtown Main Street
Older buildings on the National Register of Historic Places sit close together with mature trees nearby. Roof rats travel the canopy and get in through old soffits and rooflines.
Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock border
Newer homes here back up to preserve land and the Turkey Creek waterway. Rodents move in from the wooded edges, so sealing the roofline and foundation early matters.
Progress Corporate Park near I-75
Lab, biotech and office buildings sit along the interstate corridor. Loading docks and storage rooms are the usual entry points we check first.
Farmland edges around the city
Row crop fields, pasture and small farms surround Alachua. Norway rats burrow along fence lines and gather in sheds and barns, then move toward nearby homes.
Alachua through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Alachua
Alachua has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active year-round, but the season changes where they show up.
Rainy summer months
Summer thunderstorms raise water levels near the Santa Fe River drainage and low farm ditches, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Idalia crossed north Florida in 2023 and brought heavy wind and rain to Alachua County. Storms like this can open new gaps in soffits and roofs and push rodents out of low areas.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics and barns. This is when many Alachua homeowners and property owners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and shed doors in the fall, before cooler weather.
Harvest season on nearby farms
As crops come in on the farms around Alachua, leftover grain and feed near barns and storage buildings are an easy meal for rodents and keep them close to outbuildings.
Tip: Store feed in rodent-proof bins and clean up spills right away.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Alachua Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, farm and outbuildings
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Keep bird seed, pet food and livestock feed in sealed bins
- Store boxes, tools and gear off the ground in sheds and barns
- Keep fence lines and field edges near buildings clear of brush
- Close garage and barn doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home or building
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Alachua
Alachua is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near Main Street is different from what we do at a farm on the edge of town.
Rats in Old Soffits and Rooflines
Downtown buildings and nearby houses have older soffits, vents and roof edges that have worn over time, giving roof rats an easy way onto the roofline.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic, seal worn soffits and vents with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Sheds and Fence Lines
Norway rats burrow along fence lines, in sheds and around feed storage on the farms and rural lots that surround Alachua.
Our approach: We inspect outbuildings and the property perimeter, seal foundation gaps, and place bait and traps where activity is highest.
Rodents Moving in From Preserve Land
Block homes that back up to Turkey Creek and San Felasco Hammock Preserve State Park see rodents move in from the wooded border, especially through roof vents and garage gaps.
Our approach: We check the roofline and garage first, then seal the openings we find and monitor with follow-up visits.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics, barns or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Alachua response zone
Alachua service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are the ZIP codes we serve most in Alachua, but we cover the whole city and Alachua County. Call if you do not see yours.
3261532616
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic Downtown · Turkey Creek · San Felasco Hammock border · Progress Corporate Park · farmland edges around the city
Reviews from Alachua customers
What Alachua Customers Say
★★★★★
“They found a gap near our roofline close to downtown and sealed it up the same day.”Customer rated – Alachua
★★★★★
“We run a small farm building and they set us up on a regular check schedule.”Customer rated – Alachua
★★★★★
“Mice kept getting into our pantry near Turkey Creek. They tracked down the gap and it stopped.”Customer rated – Alachua
Alachua rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Alachua Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →We offer same-day service in most cases for Alachua and the surrounding Alachua County area.
Yes. We inspect barns, sheds and feed storage on rural and farm properties around Alachua along with the home itself, and seal the openings we find.
Homes bordering preserve land and Turkey Creek sit next to natural cover that gives rats and mice an easy path to a roofline or garage. We check these entry points first on properties in that area.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Rats are usually active at night, while squirrels are active in the daytime. Rat droppings are about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure, an inspection will tell us which animal it is.
Idalia crossed north Florida in 2023 and brought heavy wind and rain to Alachua County. Storms like this can open new gaps in soffits and roofs and push rodents toward buildings, so it is worth checking the roofline after any major storm.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics, barns or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Gainesville, Lake City and Ocala, along with High Springs and Newberry. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Alachua?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Alachua
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Alachua
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Alachua dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Alachua Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Alachua service
Give us a call. We’ll handle the next step.
Call us, tell us what you are seeing and where you are located, and our team will confirm the right appointment type and timing.
Serving AlachuaAlachua, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
