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 Clermont rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Clermont, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Clermont homes and businesses, from the older streets around Historic Downtown to the newer subdivisions off US 27 and Hancock Road. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Clermont.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Clermont
Why Clermont Has a Rat Problem Most of the Year
Clermont sits on the northern end of the Lake Wales Ridge, the rolling hill country that gives this part of Lake County its high ground and its view of the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Warm weather most of the year, mature oak canopy in the older part of town, and homes built across a century of growth mean rats do not get much of a break here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Clermont. They travel through oak limbs and power lines near Historic Downtown and the older streets north of Lake Minneola, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. In the newer subdivisions off US 27, Hancock Road and around Kings Ridge, block-and-stucco construction and screened lanais bring a different set of entry points.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the shoreline of Lake Minneola, around the Chain of Lakes, and near retention ponds in newer developments. Clermont grew faster than almost any city in the state between 2000 and 2020, so we see everything from century-old wood-frame homes to construction finished this year, and we inspect each one on its own terms.
Services available in Clermont
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Clermont
Most Clermont 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 soffit rat removal for Clermont homes, from older houses near Historic Downtown to new construction off Hancock Road.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along Highway 50 and near the Clermont waterfront.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTrapping and removal of rats and mice already inside your Clermont home or business.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalSafe removal of dead rodents from attics and wall voids in Clermont properties, with odor control.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupSanitizing attics, garages and kitchens after an infestation, following CDC cleanup guidance.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians serving every part of Clermont and Lake County.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionSealing roofline, soffit and foundation gaps so rodents cannot get back into your Clermont property.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalSafe removal and disinfecting of droppings from attics, garages and pantries.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingLong-term prevention for homes near the Chain of Lakes and newer subdivisions alike.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Clermont Home
Rodents move at night, so most Clermont 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.
Hollowed citrus or fallen fruit
Backyard oranges, grapefruit or avocados chewed open on the tree or ground are a classic roof rat sign around older Clermont lots.
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 Clermont Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Clermont, Norway rats show up near Lake Minneola and the Chain of Lakes, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in every part of the city. 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 shorelines, retention ponds, sheds and slabs
- 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 Clermont 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 crawl spaces on older homes
- Oak limbs, palms and screened lanais touching the roofline
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed 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 Clermont 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 house near Historic Downtown and a new build off Hancock Road have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older wood trim near downtown Clermont
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak limbs, palms 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 and foundation vents on older homes
- Screened lanais and pool cage frames in newer subdivisions
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Shoreline brush near lakefront lots on Lake Minneola or the Chain of Lakes
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 Clermont 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 near lakeshores and retention ponds 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 Clermont Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes near downtown get rats
- Fact: New homes in Kings Ridge and other south Clermont subdivisions get rats too, usually through garage doors and AC lines.
- 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 shoreline brush.
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 lakefront lot | Shoreline burrows are hard to find | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Clermont
Rodent Control for Clermont Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Clermont
From older homes near Historic Downtown and Lake Minneola to newer block homes in Kings Ridge and the subdivisions off US 27, each Clermont property has its own weak spots. We check 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 homes near downtown
- Lakefront homes
- 55+ communities like Kings Ridge
- New construction
Commercial Rodent Control in Clermont
Shops and restaurants along Highway 50 and near the Lake Minneola waterfront deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. We offer flexible scheduling so service does not interrupt business hours.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Clermont homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Clermont Home
Clermont grew about 250% between 2000 and 2020, so the city has homes from every era. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near Historic Downtown
- Wood-frame homes with older soffits and attic vents that have lost their screens
- Mature oak canopy that lets rats reach the roofline without touching the ground
- Gaps around older roof-to-wall flashing and rotted fascia boards
- Detached garages and sheds with worn door seals
Newer homes: block, stucco and tile
- Block-and-stucco homes in Kings Ridge and subdivisions off US 27 and Hancock Road
- Tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screened lanai or pool cage frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Clermont, Area by Area
Clermont is smaller than nearby Orlando, but its terrain and building types still vary a lot from one part of town to another. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Historic Downtown and the older grid
Older wood-frame homes under mature oaks near the Clermont Historic Village and Citrus Tower. Rats use the tree canopy to reach the roof, so we check soffits and older attic vents first.
Lake Minneola and the Chain of Lakes shoreline
Homes along the Waterfront Park area and the Clermont Chain of Lakes. Norway rats burrow near the shoreline and docks, especially after heavy summer rain.
Kings Ridge and other 55+ communities
Single-story block homes with screened lanais and pool cages. Rats climb the lanai framing to reach the roof edge and get in around AC line penetrations.
US 27 and Hancock Road growth corridor
Newer subdivisions built during Clermont’s rapid growth, many next to retention ponds and undeveloped land. Rodents move in from the edges, so sealing early matters here.
National Training Center and Highway 50 corridor
Home to the U.S. National Training Center, part of why Clermont calls itself the “Choice of Champions.” Nearby shops and offices along Highway 50 need scheduled commercial service.
Clermont through the year
How Clermont Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Clermont has a humid subtropical climate with about 50.6 inches of rain a year, most of it in the summer wet season, and winters mild enough that rodents rarely slow down.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September raise water levels on Lake Minneola and the Chain of Lakes, pushing Norway rats out of shoreline burrows and toward garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Clermont is inland, but Florida’s hurricane season still brings heavy rain and wind that can loosen soffits and roof flashing. A damaged roofline is an easy way in for rats.
Tip: After a big storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
Clermont’s record low is 17°F, but most winter nights stay mild. Rats still look for a warm, dry attic on cooler nights, which is when many homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Clermont’s economy was built on citrus before the Citrus Tower became a tourist landmark, and backyard orange and grapefruit trees are still common. Fallen fruit is an easy meal for roof rats.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Clermont Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim oak 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 shoreline brush and dock areas clear on lakefront lots
- Store items off the garage floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Clermont
Clermont is not one kind of property. What we do near Historic Downtown is different from what we do at a lakefront lot or a block home in Kings Ridge.
Roof Rats in the Attic
Mature oak canopy and older soffits with missing screens give roof rats an easy path from the trees onto the roof and into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and soffits, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near the Shoreline
Norway rats burrow near seawalls, docks and shoreline brush along Lake Minneola and the Chain of Lakes, especially after heavy summer rain raises water levels.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and yard, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Garage, AC Line and Lanai Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and screened lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof.
Our approach: We check the garage, AC lines and lanai framing first, then seal the openings we find with hardware cloth and flashing.
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 Clermont response zone
Clermont service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served Clermont ZIP codes. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
347113471234714
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic Downtown · Lake Minneola waterfront · Kings Ridge · Lake Louisa area · US 27 and Hancock Road corridor
Reviews from Clermont customers
Customer Reviews from Clermont
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gaps in our attic vents fast and sealed everything up. No more scratching at night.”
ST
Sarah T.Clermont, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We live near the lake and had rats getting into the garage. They sealed the openings and checked back until it was clear.”
MR
Mike R.Clermont, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and thorough. They explained exactly what they found in the attic and what it would take to fix it.”
LK
Linda K.Clermont, FL
Verified Clermont rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Clermont 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.
Norway rats burrow near shorelines, docks and brush where there is easy access to water and cover. Heavy summer rain can raise water levels and push them toward yards and garages near the lakes.
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.
Yes. Newer block-and-stucco homes usually get rats through garage doors, AC line gaps and screened lanai framing rather than old soffits, but the result is the same. We check those specific spots first on newer construction.
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 Mount Dora area communities, Minneola, Groveland, Winter Garden and Horizon West. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Clermont
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Clermont
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Clermont dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Clermont 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 Clermont 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 ClermontClermont, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
