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 Clearwater rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Clearwater, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Clearwater homes and businesses, from the older bungalows near downtown and Harbor Oaks to the block homes of Countryside and Feather Sound. 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 Clearwater.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Clearwater
Why Clearwater Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Clearwater sits on a peninsula between the Gulf of Mexico and Clearwater Harbor, with the Intracoastal Waterway separating the mainland from Clearwater Beach. Warm weather most of the year, mature oaks and palms, and a mix of older homes near downtown and newer construction inland mean rodents stay active every month, not just in winter.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Clearwater. They travel along tree limbs and power lines, then drop onto the roof and enter through soffit gaps, roof edges and vents. In older neighborhoods like Harbor Oaks, Skycrest and around Downtown Clearwater, aging soffits, mature landscaping and older rooflines give them more ways in.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and water. We find them near seawalls and canals on Island Estates and Sand Key, around dumpsters on Clearwater Beach and Cleveland Street, and in garages in newer block homes across Countryside and Feather Sound. Every part of the city has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Clearwater
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Clearwater
Most Clearwater 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 roofline rat removal for Clearwater homes, from older houses near Harbor Oaks to new construction in Countryside.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along Clearwater Beach and Cleveland Street.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 Clearwater homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Clearwater Home
Rodents move at night, so most Clearwater 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
Hollowed citrus or mangoes still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Clearwater yards.
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 Clearwater Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Clearwater, Norway rats show up near the harbor, canals, 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, 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 under slabs, sheds, seawalls and canal 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 Clearwater 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, 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 Clearwater 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 an older home near downtown and a newer block home in Countryside have very 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
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and palms touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, canal banks and crawl spaces near the water
- 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 Clearwater 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 after heavy rain near canals and low yards 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 Clearwater 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 dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Clean homes in Countryside and Feather Sound get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just trash.
- 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 or under the house 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, seawalls and canals.
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 a seawall or canal | Burrows are hard to find and close safely | Bait, seal and follow-up checks |
Who we serve in Clearwater
Rodent Control for Clearwater Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Clearwater
From older homes near downtown and Harbor Oaks to block-and-stucco homes in Countryside and Feather Sound, each Clearwater 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.
- Older waterfront homes
- Canal and seawall properties
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Clearwater
Restaurants and shops on Clearwater Beach and along Cleveland Street 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
- Hotels and rentals
- 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 Clearwater homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Clearwater Home
Clearwater has homes from every decade since the early 1900s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: downtown, Harbor Oaks and Skycrest
- Historic homes in Harbor Oaks along the Intracoastal, some raised with crawl spaces underneath
- Mid-century ranch homes in Skycrest with older soffits and vent screens
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards on older construction
- Old attic vents with no screens near downtown and the Cleveland Street district
- Mature oaks and palms that touch the roof
Newer homes: Countryside and Feather Sound
- Block-and-stucco homes in Countryside and Feather Sound
- Open roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Palm trees and lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Clearwater, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Clearwater has very different neighborhoods on the beach, along the harbor and inland. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Clearwater Beach, Island Estates and Sand Key
Beachfront condos, canal-front homes and restaurants near Pier 60. Norway rats burrow near seawalls and dumpsters, and salt air speeds up wear on vent screens and door seals.
Harbor Oaks and Downtown Clearwater
Historic homes along the Intracoastal near Coachman Park, and the Cleveland Street district close by. Older rooflines and mature trees give roof rats an easy path to the attic.
Skycrest and North Greenwood
Mid-century homes on larger lots, many now being renovated. Older soffits, attic vents and mature landscaping are the usual entry points.
Countryside and Feather Sound
Block-and-stucco homes near golf courses and ponds. Roof edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points here.
Clearwater through the year
How Clearwater Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Clearwater has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters and a rainy season from June through September. Rodents stay active year-round, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood burrows near the harbor, canals and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and seawalls.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Pinellas County and the wider Tampa Bay area were hit by Hurricanes Helene and Milton in the fall of 2024, with storm surge along the Gulf and Intracoastal. Storms like these push rats out of burrows and into homes, and wind damage can 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 Clearwater homeowners first hear them, even though winters here rarely get cold enough to slow rats down for long.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Backyard citrus trees are an easy meal for roof rats in older neighborhoods, 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 Clearwater Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, seawall and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal banks free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the 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 Clearwater
Clearwater is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near Harbor Oaks is different from what we do at a canal-front home on Island Estates or a block home in Countryside.
Aging Rooflines and Mature Trees
Older homes in this part of Clearwater often have aging soffits, older attic vents and mature oaks that touch the roof, giving roof rats an easy path inside.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic vents, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Canals
Norway rats burrow along seawalls, docks and canal banks, and move toward garages and ground-floor storage when the weather turns wet.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and ground-level entry points, then bait and seal the openings we find.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco 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.
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 Clearwater response zone
Clearwater service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Clearwater has more than a dozen ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Pinellas County. Call if you do not see yours.
33755337563375933760337613376333764337653376733769
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Clearwater Beach · Island Estates · Sand Key · Mandalay · Downtown Clearwater · Harbor Oaks · Skycrest · North Greenwood · Countryside · Feather Sound
Reviews from Clearwater customers
Customer Reviews from Clearwater
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gaps in our roofline near Skycrest that we had missed for years. Quick, clean work and no more noises in the attic.”
RH
Rebecca H.Clearwater, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats getting into the garage near our canal. They sealed everything up and checked back to make sure it was done right.”
DP
David P.Clearwater, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and honest about what our home actually needed. Appreciated the follow-up visits until they confirmed the activity had stopped.”
ML
Maria L.Clearwater, FL
Verified Clearwater rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Clearwater 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.
Older homes in this part of Clearwater often have aging soffits, missing vent screens and mature trees that touch the roof. These gaps 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.
Norway rats burrow along seawalls, docks and canal banks on Island Estates, Sand Key and other waterfront areas. Heavy rain and high water can push them toward garages and ground-floor storage. We inspect the shoreline and seal the ground-level openings we find.
In many parts of Pinellas County, yes. Storm surge and wind from Hurricanes Helene and Milton in 2024 affected the Tampa Bay area, including damage near the coast and the Intracoastal. Wind damage can 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.
Yes. We also serve Largo, Dunedin, Safety Harbor and Palm Harbor. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Clearwater
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Clearwater
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Clearwater dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Clearwater 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 Clearwater 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 ClearwaterClearwater, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
