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 Bloomingdale rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Bloomingdale, FL
Hearing movement in the attic at night or finding droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes throughout Bloomingdale, from the older streets near Bloomingdale Avenue to the newer subdivisions along the Riverview and FishHawk line. We find how they are getting 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 Bloomingdale.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Bloomingdale
Why Bloomingdale Homes Get Rats Year-Round
Bloomingdale is an unincorporated community in east-central Hillsborough County, about 16 miles southeast of downtown Tampa. The Alafia River forms the community’s southern border, with the small Bell Shoals rapids along that stretch of river. Warm weather almost all year and a community built up mostly since the 1960s give rats and mice plenty of ways in.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Bloomingdale. They travel through oak canopy and power lines, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, vents and roofline seams. In the older streets near Bloomingdale Avenue and the original 1960s and 1970s sections of the community, aging soffits and attic vents with no screens are a common way in.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the Alafia River and near Bell Shoals, in drainage areas, and around garages and sheds throughout the community. Newer homes near the Riverview and FishHawk line usually have tighter construction, but AC line gaps, garage door corners and pool screen enclosures still give rats an opening. Every part of Bloomingdale has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Bloomingdale
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Bloomingdale
Most Bloomingdale 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 Bloomingdale homes, from the original 1960s streets to newer construction near FishHawk.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road.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 Bloomingdale homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Bloomingdale Home
Rodents move at night, so most Bloomingdale 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 or citrus
Hollowed backyard citrus or fallen fruit with bite marks is a common roof rat sign in older Bloomingdale yards with mature trees.
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 Bloomingdale Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Bloomingdale, Norway rats show up near the Alafia River, drainage ditches and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, 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 water, sheds, rubbish and drainage areas
- 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 Bloomingdale 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
- Oak canopy, 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 a Bloomingdale 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 home from Bloomingdale’s original 1960s and 1970s sections and a newer home near FishHawk have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including aging wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Shingle and tile roof edges where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and vines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Areas near the Alafia River, drainage ditches and low yards
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- 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 Bloomingdale 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. Areas near the Alafia River 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 Bloomingdale 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 get rats
- Fact: Newer homes near FishHawk and Riverview get rats too. They come for shelter, water and fruit trees, 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 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 oaks and the riverbank.
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 the river or ditches | Burrows are hard to find and close | Ground-level inspection and sealing |
Who we serve in Bloomingdale
Rodent Control for Bloomingdale Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Bloomingdale
From the original 1960s and 1970s streets near Bloomingdale Avenue to newer homes along the Riverview and FishHawk line, each 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.
- 1960s and 1970s homes
- Homes near the river
- Newer subdivisions
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Bloomingdale
Shops and offices along Bloomingdale Avenue and Providence Road deal with 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
- 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 Bloomingdale homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Bloomingdale Home
Bloomingdale grew mainly from the 1960s onward, with newer construction added closer to the Riverview and FishHawk line. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Original 1960s and 1970s homes
- Homes near Bloomingdale Avenue built during the community’s growth as a bedroom community from the 1960s
- Aging soffit and fascia boards with gaps
- Attic vents with no screens
- Mature oak canopy that reaches the roofline
- Older garage door seals
Newer homes near Riverview and FishHawk
- Block and stucco homes built closer to the Riverview and FishHawk border
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Roof edges and ridge caps rats can slip under
- Fenced yards backing to open land or drainage areas
Area by area
Landmarks and Points of Interest in Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale does not have a downtown of its own, but these are the places and borders we use to talk about where in the community a job is.
Alafia River and Bell Shoals
The Alafia River forms Bloomingdale’s southern border, with the small Bell Shoals rapids along that stretch. Norway rats and drainage-loving pests tend to concentrate near this water.
Bloomingdale Regional Public Library and Bloomingdale High School
Two of the community’s main public landmarks, near a mix of established homes with mature trees close to the roofline.
Bloomingdale Golfers Club area
Homes bordering the golf course often back onto open turf and water features, which can bring Norway rats and mice closer to garages and lanais.
Bordering Brandon to the north
ZIP code 33511 covers this side of Bloomingdale, with a mix of homes and small commercial strips near the Brandon line.
Bordering Valrico to the northeast
ZIP code 33596 covers this side, closer to Valrico. Homes here span both older and more recently built sections.
Bordering FishHawk and Riverview to the south
Newer construction on this side of Bloomingdale, closer to the Alafia River and FishHawk.
Bloomingdale through the year
How Seasons Affect Rodent Control in Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters too warm to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels along the Alafia River and fill drainage ditches, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hillsborough County saw significant flooding and wind damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Storms like these can push rodents out of low-lying areas near the river and open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
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 Bloomingdale homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus and fruit season
Backyard citrus and fruit trees in older Bloomingdale yards 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 Bloomingdale 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 citrus and fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep areas near the river and drainage ditches free of clutter
- Store yard equipment off the floor in the garage
- 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 Bloomingdale
Bloomingdale is not one kind of property. What we do at an original 1960s home near Bloomingdale Avenue is different from what we do at a newer home near FishHawk.
Aging Soffits and Roofline Gaps
Homes built during Bloomingdale’s early growth as a bedroom community often have aging soffit boards, unscreened attic vents and mature oak canopy over the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline first, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Water
Properties along the river and near drainage areas see more ground-level activity, especially Norway rats moving toward garages and sheds after heavy rain.
Our approach: We check the yard, garage and low points first, then seal ground-level entry points and set traps where activity is highest.
Garage and AC Line Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage door corners, AC line openings and pool screen enclosure frames.
Our approach: We check the garage and AC line penetrations first, then seal what we find with metal and hardware cloth.
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 Bloomingdale response zone
Bloomingdale service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Bloomingdale spans 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole community and the surrounding area. Call if you do not see yours.
3351133596
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Bloomingdale · Along the Alafia River and Bell Shoals · Near the Bloomingdale Golfers Club · Brandon · Valrico · FishHawk · Riverview
Reviews from Bloomingdale customers
Customer Reviews from Bloomingdale
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near Bloomingdale Avenue and sealed it up. No more noise at night.”
RK
Rick K.Bloomingdale, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and thorough. They explained everything about our garage and AC line gaps before starting the work.”
AM
Amanda M.Bloomingdale, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They knew the area well and were upfront about what our older home needed. Would recommend to anyone in Bloomingdale.”
DT
Dan T.Bloomingdale, FL
Verified Bloomingdale rodent control FAQ
FAQs About Rodent Control in Bloomingdale
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.
Homes built during Bloomingdale’s growth in the 1960s and 1970s often have aging soffit boards, attic vents without screens, and mature oak canopy reaching the roofline. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Properties along the river and near drainage areas tend to see more Norway rats at ground level, especially after heavy summer rain raises water levels. We check the yard and low points on every inspection near the river.
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.
Hillsborough County saw flooding and wind damage during Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024. Storms like these can push rodents out of low-lying areas and open new gaps in soffits and roofs. 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.
Outside Bloomingdale?
Nearby Cities Served from Bloomingdale
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Bloomingdale
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Bloomingdale
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Bloomingdale dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Bloomingdale 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 Bloomingdale 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 BloomingdaleBloomingdale, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
