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 Apollo Beach rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Apollo Beach, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the seawall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Apollo Beach homes and businesses, from canal-front houses in Symphony Isles and Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club to newer construction in MiraBay and Waterset. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Apollo Beach.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Apollo Beach
Why Apollo Beach Has a Canal Rat Problem
Apollo Beach sits on Tampa Bay in Hillsborough County, built around roughly 55 miles of canals that give most of the community direct water access. The area was farmland on the Dickman family homestead until Francis Corr bought it in 1957 and renamed it Apollo Beach in 1958. That canal layout is also why rats do so well here. Seawalls, docks and mangroves along the water give Norway rats a place to burrow, and warm weather all year means they never slow down.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most from Apollo Beach attics. They travel along oaks, queen palms and power lines, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, tile roof edges and vents. This shows up in older canal-front homes near Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club and Symphony Isles, where mature landscaping sits close to the roofline.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and dock pilings, in landscaping around the canals, and in garages in newer block homes across Waterset, MiraBay and Andalucia. A canal-front lot and a newer inland lot in the same ZIP code can have very different rat problems, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Apollo Beach
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Apollo Beach
Most Apollo Beach 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 canal-front rat removal for Apollo Beach homes, from Symphony Isles to Waterset.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along US-41 and Apollo Beach Blvd.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, roof vents, pipe gaps and garage corners 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, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Apollo Beach homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Apollo Beach Home
Rodents move at night, so most Apollo Beach 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.
Burrows near the seawall
Small holes along the seawall, dock or landscaping are a sign of Norway rats denning close to the canal.
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 the lanai screen often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Apollo Beach Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Apollo Beach, Norway rats show up along the canals and seawalls, 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, palm 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 near seawalls, docks, sheds and canal landscaping
- 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 Apollo Beach 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
- Seawalls, dock boxes and canal-front landscaping
- Palm trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- 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 Apollo Beach Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on whether the home is canal-front or inland, since the weak spots are different.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older homes near Apollo Beach Blvd
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile 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, palms and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, dock and canal frontage
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, dock boxes and boat lifts for burrows
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas near the water
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
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 Apollo Beach 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 seawall, 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 home 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. Canal water and standing water after heavy rain 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 Apollo Beach Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison near the canal is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, and bait near the water can also affect birds and pets. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: New construction in Waterset and MiraBay gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and landscaping, not just an older roofline.
- 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 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 along a canal seawall or in the attic 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 landscaping and the water.
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 |
| Burrows near the seawall | Hard to treat near water safely | Ground-level inspection and sealing |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
Who we serve in Apollo Beach
Rodent Control for Apollo Beach Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Apollo Beach
From canal-front homes in Symphony Isles and Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club to newer construction in Waterset, MiraBay and Andalucia, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, seawall 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.
- Canal-front homes
- Waterfront docks
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Apollo Beach
Shops and restaurants along US-41 and Apollo Beach Boulevard deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters 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
- Marinas and boat storage
- Property managers
- HOA common areas
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.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls 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 Apollo Beach homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Apollo Beach Home
Apollo Beach has a mix of older canal-front homes and newer master-planned construction. The way a house is built and its distance to water tells us where to look first.
Older canal-front homes
- Homes in Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club and Symphony Isles sit close to seawalls and docks, giving Norway rats a place to burrow
- Mature oaks and queen palms often touch the roofline
- Older soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Boat houses, dock boxes and storage sheds near the water
- Screen enclosures around pools with worn frames
Newer homes: Waterset, MiraBay and Andalucia
- Block-and-stucco homes with tile roofs and lanai frames
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Landscaping and irrigation boxes used as cover close to the house
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Apollo Beach, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Apollo Beach has very different pockets, from canal-front streets to inland master-planned communities. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Symphony Isles and Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club
Canal-front and gated communities with seawalls and docks. Norway rats burrow near the water, roof rats use mature oaks to reach the attic.
Waterset and MiraBay
Large master-planned communities with newer block homes, ponds and preserved green space. Rats move in from landscaping and ponds if roofline gaps are open.
Andalucia and Covington Park
Established neighborhoods with mature landscaping close to garages and roof edges, a common entry point for roof rats.
Along US-41 and Apollo Beach Boulevard
Restaurants, marinas and retail near the water. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Near E.G. Simmons Regional Park
Homes bordering the park’s mangroves and preserved land see more Norway rat and roof rat pressure from the natural habitat next door.
Near the Big Bend Power Station
Homes closest to Tampa Bay and the power station’s shoreline see more Norway rat activity along the water’s edge.
Apollo Beach through the year
How Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise the water table along the canals, pushing Norway rats away from seawalls and toward garages, sheds and dock boxes.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Apollo Beach’s low elevation along Tampa Bay means storm surge is a real risk during hurricane season. Surge and flooding push rats out of canal burrows and into homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After any storm, walk the roofline and check the seawall for new burrows.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Apollo Beach homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Year-round canal activity
Because the canals never freeze or dry up, Norway rats have a steady water source in Apollo Beach every month of the year, unlike inland areas with less water access.
Tip: Keep dock boxes and boat storage areas clear of clutter.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Apollo Beach Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Keep dock boxes, boat storage and seawalls free of clutter
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Store fishing and pool gear off the ground
- Fill or seal small burrows near the seawall
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- 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 Apollo Beach
Apollo Beach is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home in Symphony Isles is different from what we do at a newer home in Waterset.
Norway Rats Near the Seawall
Homes with a seawall or dock give Norway rats a place to burrow close to the house, and mature landscaping brings roof rats to the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall, dock boxes and roofline together, seal ground-level and roof entry points, then trap until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges near ponds and green space.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Rodents Near Dumpsters and Boat Storage
Shared dumpsters, deliveries and boat storage areas along the water give rodents an easy food source and cover.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster and storage area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
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 or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Apollo Beach response zone
Apollo Beach service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Apollo Beach is served by ZIP codes 33572 and 33570. We cover the whole community and nearby Hillsborough County. Call if you do not see yours.
3357233570
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Symphony Isles · Apollo Beach Golf and Sea Club · Waterset · MiraBay · Andalucia · Covington Park
Reviews from Apollo Beach customers
Customer Reviews from Apollo Beach
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting in near our seawall and sealed it up. Haven’t heard anything in the attic since.”
RH
Rick H.Apollo Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and thorough. They explained exactly where the rats were coming in around our garage and fixed it the same visit.”
DM
Diane M.Apollo Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knew right away it was a Norway rat problem from the canal. Sealed the openings and followed up until it was fully handled.”
PK
Paul K.Apollo Beach, FL
Verified Apollo Beach rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Apollo Beach Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Seawalls, docks and canal landscaping give Norway rats a place to burrow close to the house, and mature trees give roof rats a path to the attic. We inspect both the ground level and the roofline on canal-front properties.
Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
We do not recommend it. Bait near the water can affect birds, pets and wildlife, and poisoned rats often die in hard-to-reach places, which causes a strong smell. Trapping and sealing the openings works better.
Yes. Apollo Beach sits on Tampa Bay, and storm surge during hurricane season, June through November, floods canal burrows and pushes rats toward homes. Wind damage can also open new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
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.
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 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 Ruskin, Sun City Center, Riverview and other nearby Hillsborough County communities. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Apollo Beach
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Apollo Beach
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Apollo Beach dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Apollo Beach 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 Apollo Beach 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 Apollo BeachApollo Beach, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
