Running above the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching under the barrel tile roof after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Coral Gables rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Coral Gables, FL
Scratching above the ceiling of a barrel tile roof is one of the most common calls we get from Coral Gables. Roof rats reach the roof through the tree canopy and slip in under old vents and tile edges built during George Merrick’s 1925 development of the city. Florida Rodent Control Pros finds those openings, seals them to match the home, and removes the rats 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 Coral Gables.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Coral Gables
Why Coral Gables Homes Get Roof Rats
Coral Gables was planned in 1925 by George Merrick and built in the Mediterranean Revival style, with clay barrel tile roofs, stucco walls and deep eaves. It is one of the most tree-lined cities in Miami-Dade County, and that combination of tile roofs and mature canopy is exactly what roof rats look for.
Roof rats are climbers. When oak, banyan or ficus branches touch the roof, or when a queen palm grows close to the eaves, rats walk straight from the tree onto the tile. The open ends of barrel tile at the roofline, old attic vents and gaps where stucco has settled around a chimney or pipe give them a way in. We see this in the historic core near the Biltmore and in the themed villages, including the Italian Village and French Normandy Village, where the original 1920s construction still has the same style of roofline today.
Near the water, the pattern changes. Coral Gables has an extensive canal system, including the Coral Gables Waterway, which connects to Biscayne Bay. In waterfront communities like Cocoplum and Gables Estates, Norway rats burrow along seawalls and canal banks and move into garages, boat storage and ground-floor utility rooms. Around Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue, restaurant dumpsters and shared alleys draw rats at night regardless of the season.
Services available in Coral Gables
Rodent Control Services Available in Coral Gables
Most Coral Gables jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing that matches the home’s finish, 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 Coral Gables homes, from 1920s Mediterranean Revival houses to newer construction in South Gables.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops on Miracle Mile, Giralda Avenue and Coral Gables Merrick Park.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use, checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or attic under the tile roof? 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 barrel tile edges, old 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, barrel tile edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Coral Gables homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Coral Gables Home
Rodents move at night, so most Coral Gables 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 mangoes or avocados
Hollowed fruit still on the tree or on the ground is a classic roof rat sign in Coral Gables 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 Coral Gables Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Coral Gables, Norway rats show up near canals, seawalls and restaurant dumpsters, 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 and along canal banks and seawalls
- 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 Coral Gables starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Barrel tile roof edges, ridge caps and old vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock areas on waterfront lots
- Trees and vines touching the roof, and fruit trees in the yard
- 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 mortar, matched to the home’s existing finish where it is visible. 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 Coral Gables Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1920s Mediterranean Revival house and a waterfront estate have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Barrel tile edges and ridge caps, including gaps left by settled or cracked tile
- Old decorative vents and gable vents with no screens
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches, palms and vines touching the roof
- Stucco cracks or settled areas around chimneys and pipes
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock or boat storage areas on waterfront lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Mango, avocado and citrus trees, and bird feeders
- 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 Coral Gables 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, matched to the home’s finish where it shows. 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. Canal water 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 Coral Gables 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 get rats
- Fact: Newer construction in South Gables gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just an old roof.
- 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 under barrel tile roofs 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 near the canal is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in South 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 under a barrel tile roof or along a canal bank 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 or the water.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises above the ceiling | Barrel tile is 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 or under tile | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats near a seawall or canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and treat | Waterline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Coral Gables
Rodent Control for Coral Gables Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Coral Gables
From the original 1920s villages near the Biltmore to waterfront estates in Cocoplum and Gables Estates, each Coral Gables home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, seawall and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check barrel tile edges, vents and roof lines, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, matched to the home’s finish where it shows.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Historic Mediterranean Revival homes
- Waterfront canal homes
- Newer South Gables construction
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Coral Gables
Restaurants and shops on Miracle Mile, Giralda Avenue and inside Coral Gables Merrick Park, plus offices near the University of Miami, 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
- 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 back-of-house doors 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 Coral Gables homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Coral Gables Home
Coral Gables has homes from the 1920s alongside newer construction. The way a house is built, and whether it falls under historic design rules, tells us where to look first.
Historic Mediterranean Revival homes
- Original barrel tile roofs in the Italian Village, French Normandy Village and near the Biltmore, where tile edges and old vents settle over time
- Deep eaves and decorative stucco details that hide small gaps
- Exterior changes reviewed by the city’s Board of Architects, so we seal with materials that stay out of sight or match the finish
- Mature oaks and ficus trees that touch original rooflines
Waterfront and newer South Gables homes
- Waterfront estates in Cocoplum and Gables Estates with seawalls and canal banks Norway rats can burrow along
- Newer construction in South Gables with tile roofs and updated soffits, still vulnerable at roof edges and AC line penetrations
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Dock and boat storage areas used as ground-level shelter
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Coral Gables, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Coral Gables has very different pockets, from the original 1920s villages to waterfront estates. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
The Biltmore area and historic villages
Original 1920s homes near the Biltmore Hotel and Venetian Pool, including the Italian Village and French Normandy Village. Barrel tile roofs and mature canopy make roof rats the main concern.
Miracle Mile and Giralda Avenue
The city’s main restaurant and shopping corridor. Norway rats gather around back-of-house dumpsters and shared alleys, so scheduled commercial service with written logs matters here.
Coral Gables Merrick Park
A shopping and business district near the University of Miami. Deliveries and shared trash areas draw rodents at ground level.
Cocoplum and Gables Estates
Gated waterfront communities with canals and seawalls. Norway rats burrow along the water and move into garages and boat storage.
South Gables and the University of Miami area
A mix of newer homes and multifamily buildings near campus. Roofline gaps and shared dumpsters near dense housing are the usual entry points.
Douglas Entrance and Ponce de Leon corridor
Older commercial buildings with shared walls and rooflines along a busy corridor. We check rooflines and rear doors on these buildings first.
Coral Gables through the year
How Coral Gables Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Coral Gables has a tropical monsoon climate with no real winter. The dry season, wet season and hurricane season each change where rodents go, but they stay active all year.
Dry season (November to April)
Cooler, drier nights send roof rats looking for warm, sheltered spots, and an attic under a barrel tile roof is an easy choice.
Tip: Have the roofline and attic checked before the cooler months.
Wet season (mid-May to mid-October)
Heavy afternoon storms raise canal levels and flood ground burrows, pushing Norway rats up into garages and ground-floor rooms.
Tip: Seal gaps under doors and around pipes and keep garage doors closed at night.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Storm surge and heavy rain can push canal-dwelling rats toward homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in barrel tile and soffits. After any storm, it is worth having the roofline checked.
Tip: Walk the roofline after major storms and look for lifted or cracked tile.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mango and avocado trees, common throughout Coral Gables, 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 Coral Gables Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, canal banks and docks free of clutter
- Store boat and dock gear off the ground
- 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 Coral Gables
Coral Gables is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic home near the Biltmore is different from what we do at a waterfront estate in Cocoplum or a restaurant on Miracle Mile.
Barrel Tile Roof Entry Points
Original 1920s barrel tile roofs, old vents and deep eaves give roof rats several ways onto the roof and into the attic, and any repair has to fit the home’s historic look.
Our approach: We inspect the tile roofline and vents, then seal gaps with materials that stay out of sight or match the existing finish.
Norway Rats Along Canals and Seawalls
Canal banks and seawalls give Norway rats a place to burrow, and they move from there into garages and boat storage.
Our approach: We inspect the waterline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Rodents Around Shared Dumpsters
Shared dumpsters, back-of-house doors and busy alleys keep rats fed every night regardless of season.
Our approach: We set up scheduled service with written visit logs and seal back-of-house entry points.
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 Coral Gables response zone
Coral Gables service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are the ZIP codes we serve most in Coral Gables, but we cover the whole city and Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see yours.
3313333134331433314433146331553315633158
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Biltmore area · Italian Village · French Normandy Village · Miracle Mile · Giralda Avenue · Coral Gables Merrick Park · Cocoplum · Gables Estates · South Gables · Douglas Entrance
Reviews from Coral Gables customers
Customer Reviews from Coral Gables
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found exactly where rats were getting into our tile roof and sealed it without changing how the house looks. Very professional.”
MR
Maria R.Coral Gables, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats near our seawall for months. They inspected the canal side of the property and took care of it, then followed up to make sure it was done.”
DP
David P.Coral Gables, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Set up scheduled service for our restaurant near Miracle Mile. They keep a written log of every visit, which our landlord appreciates.”
AK
Ana K.Coral Gables, FL
Verified Coral Gables rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Coral Gables 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.
Coral Gables reviews exterior changes to many homes through its Board of Architects. We use sealing materials that sit out of sight or match the existing finish, and we tell you up front if a repair should go through your roofer or the city instead.
Norway rats burrow along canal banks and seawalls in waterfront communities like Cocoplum and Gables Estates. Heavy rain and higher water can push them out of those burrows and toward garages and ground-floor rooms.
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.
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 Coral Terrace, University, Westchester and Kendall. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Coral Gables
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Coral Gables
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Coral Gables dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Coral Gables 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 Coral Gables 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 Coral GablesCoral Gables, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
