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 Brent rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Brent, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses in Brent, from the ranch homes off Fairfield Drive to the shops and offices along Brent Lane. 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 Brent.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Brent
Why Brent Homes Get Rats Year Round
Brent is an unincorporated community in Escambia County, sitting about 3 miles northwest of downtown Pensacola. It runs from Fairfield Drive on the south up to Interstate 10 on the north, with the city of Pensacola on its east side and Bellview on its west. Mild winters and a mix of older ranch homes and busy commercial strips along Brent Lane mean rats and mice have somewhere to go all year.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Brent. They travel along oak branches and power lines near older homes off Fairfield Drive and Old Palafox Road, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. Many Brent homes were built in the 1950s through the 1970s, and decades-old soffits, attic vents and crawl space openings give rodents an easy way in.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground. We find them around the shopping centers, restaurants and offices along Brent Lane near Interstate 110, in garages, and near storm drains and low-lying yards that hold water after heavy rain. Brent sits at a modest elevation, so yards near drainage ditches and retention areas can stay damp longer, which is exactly where ground-burrowing rats like to nest.
Services available in Brent
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Brent
Most Brent 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 Brent homes, from older ranch houses to newer construction near Interstate 10.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants, shops and offices along Brent Lane and near I-110.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 Brent homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Brent Home
Rodents move at night, so most Brent 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.
Grease marks along baseboards
Dark, greasy smudges where rodents rub against walls and framing on the same path night after night.
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 Brent Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Brent, Norway rats show up near drainage ditches, dumpsters 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 and trees near the roofline
- 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 along drainage ditches
- 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 Brent 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
- Trees and shrubs touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and bird feeders
- 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 Brent 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 ranch and a newer home near I-10 have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including worn wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where the roofline meets exterior 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
- Crawl spaces under raised homes, and burrows along ditches and low spots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Bird feeders, pet food and open garbage cans
- Foundation vents and gaps at slab edges
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 Brent 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 in low yards or ditches 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 Brent 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 I-10 get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just an old 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 mild climate, 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 within days.
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 |
| Rodents in a rental property | Tenant DIY often leaves gaps unsealed | Written report for landlords and property managers |
Who we serve in Brent
Rodent Control for Brent Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Brent
Brent has a large share of rental housing mixed in with owner-occupied homes. We work directly with homeowners, and we also work with landlords and property managers who need entry points sealed and a written report for tenants or a lease file.
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.
Report for landlords
A written summary of what we found and sealed, useful for tenants and lease records.
- Ranch homes
- Rental houses and duplexes
- Mobile and manufactured homes
- Newer construction near I-10
Commercial Rodent Control in Brent
Shops, restaurants and offices along Brent Lane and near the Interstate 110 interchange 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 loading 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 Brent homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Brent Home
Brent has homes going back to the 1950s alongside newer construction near I-10. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older ranch homes off Fairfield Drive
- 1950s and 1960s brick ranch homes with original soffits and attic vents
- Worn weatherstripping and foundation vents that were never screened
- Aging roof lines where flashing has pulled away over the decades
- Mature trees with limbs that now reach the roof
- Detached carports and sheds that give rodents cover
Newer homes and rentals near I-10
- Newer construction and rental housing closer to the Interstate 10 corridor
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through exterior walls
- Garage door corners and bottom seals that were never adjusted
- Vinyl siding and soffit panels that pull loose over time
- Shared fence lines and drainage areas that connect several yards
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Brent, Area by Area
Brent is a mix of quiet residential streets and busy commercial corridors packed into about 10 square miles. Here is what we usually check first in each part of it.
Neighborhoods off Fairfield Drive and Old Palafox Road
Established residential streets with mid-century ranch homes and mature shade trees. Roof rats travel the tree canopy and drop onto older roofs with worn soffits.
Brent Lane commercial corridor
Shopping centers, restaurants and offices along Brent Lane near the Interstate 110 interchange. Norway rats gather around dumpsters and loading areas here.
North Brent near Interstate 10
Newer homes and rentals closer to the I-10 corridor, where highway landscaping and drainage areas give rodents cover close to backyards.
Border with Bellview to the west
Mixed residential blocks where Brent meets Bellview. Similar housing stock on both sides means similar entry points at the roofline and foundation.
Brent through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Brent
Escambia County has mild winters and a long, humid rainy season, so rodents stay active in Brent all year. The weather just changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Summer downpours can flood low yards, drainage ditches and burrows, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Sally struck the Pensacola area in September 2020 and caused significant wind and flood damage across Escambia County. Storms like it push rats out of low-lying burrows and can tear loose soffits and vent screens, opening new ways into a Brent attic.
Tip: After any tropical storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights in December and January, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Brent homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather arrives.
Back-to-school season
As Escambia County School District schools start back up, more food waste and packed lunches sitting in cars and garages can draw mice looking for an easy meal.
Tip: Store pantry food and pet food in hard, sealed containers.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Brent 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
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep drainage ditches and low spots free of debris
- Store items off the garage floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Keep sheds and woodpiles away from the house
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 Brent
Brent is not one kind of property. What we do at an older ranch home off Fairfield Drive is different from what we do at a shopping center on Brent Lane.
Worn Soffits and Attic Vents
Many Brent homes date to the 1950s and 1960s, and decades-old soffit panels and attic vent screens have gaps that rats can push through.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Deferred Maintenance Entry Points
Rental properties in Brent sometimes have door sweeps, vent screens or foundation gaps that were never repaired between tenants.
Our approach: We give landlords and property managers a written inspection report along with the sealing and trapping work, so it is documented for the file.
Norway Rats Near Dumpsters and Loading Areas
Businesses along the Brent Lane corridor deal with shared dumpsters, loading docks and doors that stay open during business hours.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster area and loading dock, then bait and seal the ground-level entry points we find, with scheduled follow-up visits.
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 Brent response zone
Brent service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Brent’s main ZIP code is 32503. We cover all of Brent and the surrounding Escambia County area. Call if you are not sure your address is on the route.
32503
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Fairfield Drive corridor · Old Palafox Road · Brent Lane · North Brent near I-10 · the Bellview border · Ensley · Pensacola
Reviews from Brent customers
Customer Reviews from Brent
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my home near Fairfield Drive. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Brent, 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.Brent, 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.Brent, FL
Verified Brent rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Brent 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.
Many homes in Brent date to the 1950s and 1960s. Decades-old soffit panels, attic vents and foundation vents were built to older standards and often have gaps that rats can push through. 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.
This depends on your lease, but most Florida leases place structural repairs, including sealing entry points, on the landlord. We can inspect the property and provide a written report that a tenant can share with a landlord or property manager.
Storms like Hurricane Sally, which caused major wind and flood damage across Escambia County in September 2020, can push rats out of low-lying burrows and damage soffits and roof vents, opening new gaps. 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 Bellview, Ensley, Pensacola and West Pensacola. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Brent
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Brent
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Brent dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Brent 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 Brent 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 BrentBrent, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
