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 Bartow rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Bartow, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Bartow homes and businesses, from the historic houses near downtown to newer homes on the edge of town surrounded by citrus groves and cattle land. 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 Bartow.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Bartow
Why Bartow Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Bartow is the county seat of Polk County, incorporated on July 1, 1882, and sits near the source of the Peace River and close to Lake Hancock. Polk County has more than 550 lakes, most of them old phosphate mining pits, plus citrus groves and cattle pasture ringing the city. That mix of water, orchards and open land keeps rodents active every month of the year.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Bartow. They travel along oak limbs and power lines near the historic downtown, then drop onto roofs and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps where the roofline meets the wall. In the older homes near downtown, including the houses in the Northeast Bartow and South Bartow residential districts, raised foundations and original wood soffits give rats extra room to get inside.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water and food. We find them near Lake Hancock, along drainage ditches, in outbuildings on properties near the citrus groves and cattle land outside the city, and around dumpsters at businesses along Main Street and Broadway. Every part of Bartow has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Bartow
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Bartow
Most Bartow 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 Bartow homes, from historic houses near downtown to newer homes on the edge of town.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for offices, shops and restaurants around downtown Bartow and along US-98.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 Bartow homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Bartow Home
Rodents move at night, so most Bartow 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.
Chewed fruit in the yard
Hollowed citrus still on a backyard tree or fallen on the ground is a classic roof rat sign this close to Polk County’s groves.
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 Bartow Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls inside the city, Norway rats show up near Lake Hancock, drainage ditches and outbuildings, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. You may also see cotton rats on properties near open pasture or citrus groves, though they rarely move indoors. 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, oak 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 ditch 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 Bartow 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, crawl spaces and pier-and-beam floors on older homes
- Outbuildings, sheds and barns on larger lots
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, livestock feed and fallen citrus
- 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 a Bartow Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the property is built, since a house near the historic downtown and a rural property near a citrus grove have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak limbs and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under older pier-and-beam homes
- Sheds, barns, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, livestock feed and pet food
- Drainage ditches and low spots near Lake Hancock
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 Bartow 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 near Lake Hancock or a drainage ditch 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 Bartow 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 and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes near downtown get rats
- Fact: Newer homes on the edge of Bartow get rats too, since open land, citrus trees and drainage ditches draw them in from outside the city.
- 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 under a raised floor 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, ditches and open land.
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 under a raised floor or outbuilding | Crawl space and barns are hard to reach and seal | Foundation and outbuilding sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Bartow
Rodent Control for Bartow Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Bartow
From houses in the Northeast Bartow and South Bartow residential districts to newer homes on larger lots at the edge of town, each Bartow property 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 near downtown
- Larger rural lots
- Block and slab homes
- Rentals and mobile homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Bartow
Shops, offices and restaurants around the historic downtown commercial district and along the main corridors 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
- Agricultural 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.
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 Bartow properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Bartow Property
Bartow has homes going back to the 1880s alongside newer subdivisions and rural properties. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Historic homes near downtown
- Houses in the Northeast Bartow and South Bartow residential districts often sit on older piers, so rats can nest under the floor
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Big oaks that touch the roof near downtown streets
- Older wiring and single-pane windows with worn seals
Newer homes and rural properties
- Block and slab homes on the edge of town near citrus groves and pasture
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screen enclosure frames
- Barns, sheds and outbuildings that store feed or equipment
- Drainage ditches and low ground near Lake Hancock that flood after heavy rain
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Bartow, Area by Area
Bartow has very different kinds of properties within a few miles of each other. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Historic downtown and the Bartow Downtown Commercial District
Buildings near the Old Polk County Courthouse and the historic commercial blocks have shared walls and older rooflines. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Northeast Bartow and South Bartow residential districts
Older houses under big oak trees, some on raised piers. Rats nest under the floor and use the trees to reach the attic.
Gordon Heights
A mix of established homes where mature trees and older soffits are the usual entry points we check first.
Near Lake Hancock and the Peace River
Properties closest to the water see more Norway rats and more moisture near the foundation. We check crawl spaces and drainage first.
Edge of town, citrus groves and pasture
Newer subdivisions and rural properties bordering open agricultural land. Rodents move in from the groves and pasture, so sealing barns and garages matters here.
Along US-98 and Main Street
Shops and offices with loading areas and dumpsters. We look at door seals and dock gaps first for these businesses.
Bartow through the year
How Bartow Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Bartow has hot, humid summers with frequent afternoon thunderstorms and mild winters, and it sits in Lightning Alley, the most lightning-prone part of the country. Rodents stay active all year here, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood low ground near Lake Hancock, ditches and pastures, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and barns.
Tip: Keep garage and shed doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Polk County has taken direct hits before, including Hurricane Donna in 1960 and three hurricanes in 2004. Storms push rats out of low ground and damaged roofs give them new ways in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the property and check the roofline and any shed or barn.
Cooler months, November through February
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics and outbuildings. This is when many Bartow homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and shed doors in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Citrus season
Backyard and grove citrus is an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to properties near the groves outside town.
Tip: Pick up fallen fruit and trim branches away from the roofline.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Bartow
Bartow is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near downtown is different from what we do at a rural property near a citrus grove.
Nesting Under the Floor
Many houses in the historic residential districts sit on raised piers, which gives rats room to nest underneath the floor and get in through foundation vents.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and foundation vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Rats Moving In From Open Land
Properties bordering groves and pasture see rodents move from barns and fence lines toward the house, especially after harvest or during dry spells.
Our approach: We inspect outbuildings and fence lines first, 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, barns or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Bartow response zone
Bartow service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Bartow uses ZIP codes 33830 and 33831. We cover the whole city and the surrounding parts of Polk County. Call if you are not sure your address is on our route.
3383033831
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic downtown Bartow · Northeast Bartow Residential District · South Bartow Residential District · Gordon Heights · properties near Lake Hancock and the Peace River · rural properties near Bartow’s citrus groves and pasture land
Reviews from Bartow customers
Customer Reviews from Bartow
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at our home near downtown Bartow. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Bartow, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rat problem in the barn quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Bartow, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for our rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Bartow, FL
Verified Bartow rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Bartow Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many houses in the Northeast Bartow and South Bartow residential districts sit on older piers with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. 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.
Often, yes. Polk County has taken direct hits from storms before, including Hurricane Donna in 1960 and three hurricanes in 2004. Storms push rats out of low ground near lakes and ditches, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your property 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, 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 Mulberry, Fort Meade, Winter Haven, Lakeland, Auburndale and Lake Wales. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Bartow?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Bartow
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Bartow
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Bartow dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Bartow 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 Bartow 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 BartowBartow, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
