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 Azalea Park rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Azalea Park, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Azalea Park homes and businesses, from the original 1950s houses near Colonial Drive to the shops and apartments along Semoran Boulevard and Curry Ford Road. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents 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 Azalea Park.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Azalea Park
Why Azalea Park Homes Still Get Rats After 70 Years
Azalea Park was established on April 2, 1952, built by developer Wellborn C. Phillips Sr. on land that had been a private airfield. Many of the homes from that first wave of construction are still standing today, and 7 decades of Central Florida heat, humidity and mature yards give rats plenty of places to hide.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Azalea Park. In the original blocks near Colonial Drive, decades-old soffit vents, roof vents and attic gaps that were never upgraded give rats an easy way into the attic. They travel along trees and power lines, then drop onto the roofline and work their way inside.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them near the shoreline and drainage areas around Lake Underhill and Lake Barton, and around dumpsters at the restaurants and shops that line Curry Ford Road and Semoran Boulevard, the corridor that is home to spots like The Meatball Shoppe. Every part of Azalea Park has its own rodent pressure, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Azalea Park
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Azalea Park
Most Azalea Park 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 garage rat removal for Azalea Park homes, from the original 1950s houses near Colonial Drive to newer builds near Semoran Boulevard.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along Curry Ford Road and Semoran Boulevard.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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Azalea Park homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Azalea Park Home
Rodents move at night, so most Azalea Park 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.
Half-eaten fruit in the yard
Azalea Park’s older lots still have citrus trees planted decades ago. Hollowed oranges or grapefruit are a classic roof 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 Azalea Park Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Azalea Park, Norway rats show up near Lake Underhill, Lake Barton and dumpsters, 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 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, rubbish and along lake edges
- 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 Azalea Park 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 and slab edges
- 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 Azalea Park 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 1950s house near Colonial Drive and a newer building near Semoran Boulevard have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, common on homes built in the 1950s and 1960s
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roofline gaps where roof sections meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Foundation edges and any crawl space access
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Yards backing up to Lake Underhill or Lake Barton
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 Azalea Park 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 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. Standing water around Lake Underhill and Lake Barton 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 Azalea Park 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 older homes near Colonial Drive get rats
- Fact: Newer homes and apartments near Semoran Boulevard get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just old construction.
- 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 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 trees, yards and the lake edges.
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 |
| Rats near Lake Underhill or Lake Barton | Ground burrows are hard to find and seal | Yard inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Azalea Park
Rodent Control for Azalea Park Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Azalea Park
From the original 1950s houses near Colonial Drive to newer homes and apartments near Semoran Boulevard, each Azalea Park property 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 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.
- 1950s and 1960s homes
- Lakefront properties
- Newer builds
- Rentals and apartments
Commercial Rodent Control in Azalea Park
Restaurants and shops along Curry Ford Road and Semoran 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
- Offices
- Warehouses
- 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.
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 Azalea Park homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Azalea Park Home
Azalea Park has homes from its original 1952 development next to newer construction and apartments. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Original 1950s and 1960s homes
- Homes built in the neighborhood’s original development near Colonial Drive, now more than 70 years old
- Aging soffit vents, roof vents and attic openings that were never upgraded
- Mature trees that have grown in over decades, giving rats a path to the roof
- Older garage doors and worn weather seals
- Citrus trees planted on some of the original lots
Newer homes and apartment buildings
- Infill homes and apartment or condo buildings near Semoran Boulevard and Curry Ford Road
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through exterior walls
- Garage door corners and shared building entry points
- Dumpster corrals and shared trash areas at larger complexes
- Landscaping and drainage areas near Lake Underhill and Lake Barton
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Azalea Park, Area by Area
Azalea Park is a small community with distinct areas within it. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
The original core near Colonial Drive
Homes here date back to Azalea Park’s founding in 1952. Aging soffits and roof vents are the usual entry point, and we seal them with metal and hardware cloth.
Near Lake Underhill and Lake Barton
Ground-dwelling Norway rats burrow near the shoreline and drainage areas around both lakes, then move into nearby yards and garages.
Curry Ford Road and Semoran Boulevard
This commercial corridor is home to Cuban and Puerto Rican restaurants, including The Meatball Shoppe. Shared dumpsters here draw Norway rats overnight.
Near Orlando Executive Airport
The open land along Azalea Park’s western edge, near the airport, borders yards where rodents can move in from surrounding grass and drainage areas.
Azalea Park through the year
How Central Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Azalea Park has a humid subtropical climate with short, mild winters. Rats never fully slow down here, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels around Lake Underhill and Lake Barton, pushing Norway rats out of low burrows and toward garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Milton in October 2024 brought wind gusts of 87 mph and more than 10 inches of rain to Orange County, with over 42 tornado warnings issued across Central Florida. Storm damage to soffits and roof vents is a common way rats get into an attic afterward.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Azalea Park homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Backyard oranges and grapefruit on Azalea Park’s older lots are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Azalea Park Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep yards near Lake Underhill and Lake Barton free of clutter
- Store items off the garage floor
- 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 Azalea Park
Azalea Park is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1950s home near Colonial Drive is different from what we do at a restaurant on Curry Ford Road.
Aging Attics and Soffits
Homes built during Azalea Park’s original development still have decades-old soffit vents and roof vents that were never upgraded, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal the openings with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until the attic is clear.
Norway Rats Near the Water
Ground-dwelling rats burrow near the shoreline and drainage areas around the lakes and move into yards and garages, especially after heavy rain.
Our approach: We inspect the yard and any drainage areas, seal ground-level entry points, and place exterior bait stations where needed.
Commercial Pressure From Shared Dumpsters
The busy restaurant and retail corridor has shared dumpsters and loading areas that draw Norway rats and mice, especially overnight.
Our approach: We set up scheduled commercial service with written visit logs and seal gaps at doors and loading areas.
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 Azalea Park response zone
Azalea Park service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Azalea Park sits almost entirely within ZIP code 32807. We cover the whole community and the surrounding parts of Orange County. Call if you do not see yours.
32807
Areas we serve
Check my address →
The original town site near Colonial Drive · Along Curry Ford Road · Along Semoran Boulevard · Near Lake Underhill · Near Lake Barton · Near Goldenrod Road · Near Orlando Executive Airport
Reviews from Azalea Park customers
Customer Reviews from Azalea Park
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Azalea Park home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Azalea Park, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Azalea Park, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Azalea Park, FL
Verified Azalea Park rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Azalea Park Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →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.
Azalea Park was founded in 1952, and many homes near Colonial Drive date back to that first wave of development. Decades-old soffit vents and roof vents that were never upgraded give roof rats an easy way into the attic. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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.
In October 2024, Hurricane Milton brought wind gusts of 87 mph and more than 10 inches of rain to Orange County, with over 42 tornado warnings issued across Central Florida. Wind damage to roofs and soffits opened new gaps that let rats into attics that had not had problems before. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
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 Orlando, Winter Park, Goldenrod and Conway. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Azalea Park
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Azalea Park
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Azalea Park dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Azalea Park 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 Azalea Park 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 Azalea ParkAzalea Park, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
