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 Asbury Lake rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Asbury Lake, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes across Asbury Lake, from older starter homes in Russell Oaks and Meadow Lake to new construction in Silver Creek and Rolling Hills. We find how rodents are getting in, seal it, and remove the ones already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Asbury Lake.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Asbury Lake
Why Asbury Lake Has a Growing Rat Problem
Asbury Lake, listed as Lake Asbury on census records, sits in the middle of Clay County about 13 miles southwest of Orange Park and 30 miles southwest of downtown Jacksonville. The community grew from 2,228 residents in 2000 to 11,036 by 2020, and that kind of growth means new subdivisions built right up against land that used to be woods.
Roof rats and house mice show up most in newer neighborhoods like Silver Creek, Rolling Hills and Village Park, where fresh construction sits next to cleared lots and tree lines along Henley Road and Sandridge Road. As land gets cleared for the next phase of building, the rodents that lived there move toward the nearest attic or garage.
Older, established neighborhoods like Russell Oaks and Meadow Lake, both built in the late 1980s and 1990s, have had 3 decades for soffits, vent screens and foundation gaps to loosen up. Black Creek runs along the north side of the community and feeds the St. Johns River, and homes near ponds in neighborhoods like Arava and Silver Creek see more ground-level Norway rat activity. We inspect every home on its own, since a new house on Royal Pointe and a 1990s home on Meadow Lake have very different weak spots.
Services available in Asbury Lake
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Asbury Lake
Most Asbury Lake 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, garage and crawl space rat removal for Asbury Lake homes, from 1990s starter homes to new builds in Silver Creek and Rolling Hills.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for the small businesses and offices along Henley Road, County Road 209 and near Highway 218.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 garage corners with metal and hardware cloth 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 and gap sealing so new construction and older homes alike stay closed to rodents.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Asbury Lake Home
Rodents move at night, so most Asbury Lake 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 and AC insulation, which can lead to shorts and costly repairs, especially in new-construction attics.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Fresh burrows near a pond
Small holes along the bank of a neighborhood pond, like those in Arava or Silver Creek, often mean Norway rats.
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 Asbury Lake Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in new-construction neighborhoods, Norway rats show up near ponds and Black Creek, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in homes of every age. 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 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 and pond 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 Asbury Lake 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
- Cleared or wooded lots next to the property
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and bird seed
- 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 mortar. 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 Asbury Lake Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1990s home in Meadow Lake and a new build in Village Park have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including worn wood on older homes
- Roof vents and gable vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree limbs and branches touching the roofline
- Unfinished trim or gaps on newer construction
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces and foundation vents
- Pond banks and drainage areas in neighborhoods like Arava and Silver Creek
- Cleared lots and tree lines bordering the property
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
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 Asbury Lake 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 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. Pond banks 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 Asbury Lake Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: New construction homes do not get rats
- Fact: Newer neighborhoods like Silver Creek and Rolling Hills sit right against cleared land, so rats displaced by nearby building often move in fast.
- 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 older homes get rats
- Fact: We get calls from both 1990s homes in Russell Oaks and brand new homes on Royal Pointe. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not a home’s age.
- 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: 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 along a pond bank 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 a nearby cleared lot or pond.
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 |
| 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 |
| Burrows near a pond or Black Creek | Hard to treat safely near water | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Asbury Lake
Rodent Control for Asbury Lake Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Asbury Lake
From 1990s starter homes in Russell Oaks and Meadow Lake to new builds in Silver Creek, Rolling Hills and Village Park, each Asbury Lake home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and the roof edge, 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.
- New construction
- 1990s starter homes
- Pond-front lots
- Gated communities
Commercial Rodent Control in Asbury Lake
Asbury Lake is mostly residential, but the small businesses and offices along Henley Road, County Road 209 and near Highway 218 still deal with rodents drawn to dumpsters, storage areas and nearby cleared land.
- Offices
- Retail
- Storage facilities
- 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 an owner or manager.
Door and storage area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at storage areas 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 Asbury Lake homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Asbury Lake Home
Asbury Lake has homes from the late 1980s through homes still being built today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Russell Oaks and Meadow Lake
- Built in the late 1980s through the mid 1990s, with 3 decades of wear on soffits and vents
- Half-acre lots in Meadow Lake give rodents more cover to approach the house
- Worn foundation vents and gaps around older plumbing penetrations
- Mature trees close to the roofline in some yards
Newer homes: Silver Creek, Rolling Hills and Village Park
- New construction in Silver Creek, Rolling Hills, Royal Pointe and Village Park sits next to cleared and wooded lots
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through unfinished trim
- Garage door corners and pool or screen enclosure frames
- Ponds and retention areas built into newer subdivisions like Arava
Areas we know
Landmarks and Areas We Know in Asbury Lake
Asbury Lake covers a lot of ground, from its oldest streets to its newest. Here is what we usually check first in different parts of the community.
Ronnie Van Zant Memorial Park
This 90-acre county park has fishing ponds, a disc golf course and picnic areas. Fishing ponds and food left behind by visitors can draw rodents to the tree line nearby.
Henley Road corridor
Glenhaven, Asbury Downs and Arava all sit off Henley Road. This is one of the older, more built-out parts of the community.
Black Creek
Black Creek runs along the north side of Asbury Lake and feeds the St. Johns River. Homes closest to the creek see more ground-level rodent activity.
First Coast Expressway growth corridor
Village Park and other new construction near the expressway ramps are the newest, still-building parts of the community.
Asbury Lake through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Asbury Lake
Florida’s mild winters do not slow rodents down much, but the calendar still changes where they show up.
Spring building season
Spring is when a lot of new-construction work picks up in Silver Creek, Rolling Hills and Village Park. Clearing lots pushes rodents toward finished homes nearby.
Tip: If a lot near you is being cleared, have your home checked for new gaps.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Black Creek hit record flooding after Hurricane Irma in 2017. Heavy rain and flooding along the creek and neighborhood ponds push ground-dwelling rats toward higher, drier ground, including garages and crawl spaces.
Tip: After heavy rain, check the garage and any crawl space for new activity.
Cooler months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Asbury Lake homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Summer pond activity
Warmer months bring more activity around the neighborhood ponds in Arava, Silver Creek and Ronnie Van Zant Park, where Norway rats find water and cover.
Tip: Keep pond-front yards clear of brush piles and stored items.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Asbury Lake Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and pond bank
- Trim branches and shrubs away from the roofline
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep pond banks and fishing gear storage clear of clutter
- Store boxes and gear off the garage floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Ask about rodent-proofing before moving into a new build
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 Asbury Lake
Asbury Lake is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1990s home in Russell Oaks is different from what we do at a new build in Silver Creek.
Rodents Displaced by Nearby Building
Fresh-built homes sit next to cleared land and tree lines, so rodents that lost their habitat during construction often move into the nearest finished house.
Our approach: We inspect new-construction gaps around plumbing stubs, AC lines and garage doors, seal them before rodents find them, and check the attic for early nesting.
Worn Soffits and Foundation Gaps
Homes built in the late 1980s and 1990s have had 3 decades for soffits, vent screens and foundation gaps to loosen, giving rodents an easy way in.
Our approach: A full roofline and foundation inspection, then sealing worn gaps with metal and hardware cloth, not foam.
Norway Rats Near Water
Neighborhoods built around ponds, like Arava and Silver Creek, and homes near Black Creek see more ground-burrowing Norway rats along the water’s edge.
Our approach: We check pond banks, seawalls and crawl spaces, then set traps along the paths rats use to reach the house.
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 Asbury Lake response zone
Asbury Lake service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Asbury Lake mail addresses fall under Green Cove Springs and Middleburg. We cover the whole community and the rest of Clay County. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
3204332068
Neighborhoods we serve
Check my address →
Glenhaven · Silver Creek · Russell Oaks · Meadow Lake · Asbury Plantation · Rolling Hills · Royal Pointe · Village Park · Arava · Asbury Downs
Reviews from Asbury Lake customers
Customer Reviews from Asbury Lake
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“We had rats in the attic of our new build in Silver Creek. The crew found the gap fast, sealed it, and came back to check the traps.”
MR
Michael R.Asbury Lake, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Our home in Meadow Lake is older and had gaps under the soffits we never knew about. Glad we called before it got worse.”
KP
Karen P.Asbury Lake, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They explained why our pond-front lot was seeing more activity and walked the bank with us. Professional and easy to schedule.”
DT
Daniel T.Asbury Lake, FL
Verified Asbury Lake rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Asbury Lake Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Asbury Lake grew from about 2,228 residents in 2000 to 11,036 by 2020, and new subdivisions like Silver Creek, Rolling Hills and Village Park are often built next to cleared or wooded land. Rodents displaced by nearby construction move toward the closest finished house, so new homes are not immune.
Those neighborhoods were built in the late 1980s and mid 1990s. Over 3 decades, soffits, vent screens and foundation gaps loosen up, giving rats an easy opening. We seal those gaps with hardware cloth and metal.
Often, yes. Black Creek borders the north side of Asbury Lake and feeds the St. Johns River, and homes near it or near ponds in neighborhoods like Arava and Silver Creek tend to see more ground-level Norway rat activity than homes farther from water.
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.
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.
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 Fleming Island, Lakeside, Oakleaf Plantation and Bellair-Meadowbrook Terrace. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Asbury Lake
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Asbury Lake
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Asbury Lake dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Asbury Lake Home?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Asbury Lake service
Give us a call. We will 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 Asbury LakeAsbury Lake, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
