Rodent Control Coral Gables, FL

City rule	What it says	Why it matters for rats
Can location	Garbage cans are kept on the side of the home, out of view from the street	Cans sit next to AC lines, hose bibs and garage corners. Check that wall for gnaw marks and burrows.
Containers	Up to two 30 gallon cans, galvanized metal or plastic, lids fully closed and secured	A tight lid is the single best rat stopper at the can. Replace any cracked can or broken lid.
Bagged trash	Bags and small household items go to the swale only after 6 p.m. the night before collection	Bags left out longer are an open buffet for rats and raccoons. Follow the 6 p.m. rule.
Yard debris	Loose branches and leaves can go out during the week, up to about 1 cubic yard per pickup	Brush piles in the swale make shelter. Put them out close to your pickup day when you can.
Trash pits	Pits may not sit within 5 feet of trees or on top of drains or meters	A pit with old debris in it can hold rodents. The city can fill a pit to ground level on request.
Pet waste	Not allowed in the swale, with a civil penalty of $500 under Chapter 54	Rats eat pet waste. Pick it up daily and bag it in your closed can.

Clean streets do not stop roof rats. They live in trees, and Coral Gables has about 58% tree cover. Big oaks, banyans, palms and fruit trees give them food and shelter, and limbs over the roof give them a way inside.

It should not. We place hardware cloth behind vent grilles and seal under the tile, so most work is not visible from the street. If a repair would change the exterior, we tell you first so you can check with the city.

Small branches and vines, usually yes. Pruning branches over 10 inches across needs city authorization and must be done or supervised by an ISA Certified Arborist under Chapter 82 of the City Code. We show you which limbs matter most.

They can. Keep lids fully closed, replace cracked cans and only put bagged trash in the swale after 6 p.m. the night before pickup, as city rules require. Also check the wall behind the cans for burrows and gnaw marks.

Usually both kinds. Norway rats burrow at seawalls and under docks, and roof rats nest in waterfront palms and landscaping. We inspect the dock, boathouse and outdoor kitchen along with the main house.

Most homes take about 2 to 3 weeks: inspection and sealing first, then 1 to 2 weeks of trapping, cleanup and a follow-up check. Large estates and buildings with many outbuildings can take longer.

Yes. Businesses get scheduled visits, locked bait stations outside and written logs. For rentals near the University of Miami, we can seal and treat between tenants so the unit is clear before the next move in.

Yes. We cover all of Miami-Dade County, including Coral Terrace, University, Westchester, Kendall, South Miami and Miami itself.