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 Coral Terrace rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Coral Terrace, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the carport? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Coral Terrace homes and businesses, from the tightly packed 1950s and 1960s block homes near SW 8th Street to the duplexes and apartments along the Palmetto Expressway. 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 Coral Terrace.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Coral Terrace
Why Coral Terrace Homes Get Rats and Mice Year Round
Coral Terrace is an unincorporated community in Miami-Dade County, about 7 miles west of downtown Miami. It is one of the more densely built parts of the county, with roughly 6,900 people per square mile packed into just over 3 square miles. Lots are small and homes sit close together, which gives rodents an easy path from one property to the next.
Most of Coral Terrace was built out in the 1950s and 1960s, and that generation of concrete block and stucco homes has aged in ways that matter for rodent control. Soffits sag, screens over attic vents rust through, and old plumbing and AC penetrations get wider gaps over time. Roof rats use the ficus trees, royal palms and overhead power lines that line these streets to reach the roofline and drop in through those gaps.
Norway rats stay lower. We find them around carports, under sheds, near dumpsters at the strip plazas along SW 8th Street (US 41) and the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), and in the crawl spaces of older duplexes. With the community bordered by Coral Gables, Westchester, Glenvar Heights and West Miami, rodents move freely across those lines, so we inspect every property on its own, not off a template.
Services available in Coral Terrace
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Coral Terrace
Most Coral Terrace 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, soffit and carport rat removal for Coral Terrace homes, from 1950s block houses to newer duplexes.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along SW 8th Street and the Palmetto Expressway frontage.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 carports, 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 carport 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, soffit sealing and tree trimming advice for Coral Terrace homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Coral Terrace Home
Rodents move at night, so most Coral Terrace homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the carport 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
Hollowed mangoes or avocados left on backyard trees are a classic roof rat sign in Coral Terrace 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 Terrace Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Coral Terrace. Norway rats show up at ground level near carports, sheds and dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Because lots here are small and homes sit close together, rodents move easily between neighboring properties, so we treat the whole perimeter, not just one wall.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, soffits, 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, carports and near dumpsters
- 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 Terrace 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
- Carport and garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Trees and shrubs touching the roof or overhead lines feeding onto it
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird feeders 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 Coral Terrace Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation, plus the fence and hedge lines shared with the next lot, since homes here sit close together.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, common on 1950s and 1960s block homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge lines
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees, palms and power lines touching the roof
- Shared walls and rooflines on duplexes
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Carport and garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces, slab edges and burrows along fence lines
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
- Dumpster and trash storage areas on commercial lots
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 Terrace 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 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 Terrace 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 dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Well kept homes throughout Coral Terrace get rats too. They 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: If my neighbor treats their house, mine is safe too
- Fact: Lots here are small and close together, so rats move freely between properties. Sealing your own home is still necessary.
- 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 the next lot over.
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 moving in from next door | Hard to stop on your own | Perimeter sealing and follow-up visits |
Who we serve in Coral Terrace
Rodent Control for Coral Terrace Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Coral Terrace
From 1950s and 1960s block homes to newer duplexes and small apartment buildings, most Coral Terrace properties share the same weak spots: aging soffits, tight side yards and carports instead of enclosed garages. We check the roofline, attic, carport 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.
- 1950s and 1960s block homes
- Duplexes and small apartments
- Homes with carports
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Coral Terrace
Shops, offices and restaurants along SW 8th Street and near the Palmetto Expressway 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
- Strip plazas
- 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 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 Terrace homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Coral Terrace Home
Most of Coral Terrace was built in the 1950s and 1960s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Original 1950s and 1960s block homes
- Aging soffit panels and rusted attic vent screens
- Original roof-to-wall gaps that have widened over decades
- Carports instead of enclosed garages, with open storage rats can nest in
- Overgrown ficus, mango and avocado trees touching the roof
- Older plumbing and AC penetrations with wide gaps
Duplexes and small apartment buildings
- Shared walls and rooflines that let rodents move between units
- Dumpster and shared trash areas that draw Norway rats
- Utility closets and shared attic access points
- Tight side yards between buildings that double as rodent runways
- Landlord coordination needed when one unit is treated but a shared wall is not
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Coral Terrace
Coral Terrace is not one kind of property. What we do at an original 1950s block home is different from what we do at a strip plaza on SW 8th Street.
Aging Soffits and Roof Gaps
Homes built in the 1950s and 1960s have original soffit panels and vent screens that have loosened or rusted through over 60-plus years, giving roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and soffit run, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Shared Walls and Runways
Rodents move between units through shared attic space and rooflines, and tight side yards between buildings act as runways from one lot to the next.
Our approach: We inspect shared attic access and side yards, seal each unit’s openings, and coordinate timing with property managers so every unit is treated together.
Dumpster and Back-Door Activity
Shops and restaurants with shared dumpsters and back doors that stay open during deliveries see Norway rats at ground level, especially overnight.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster pad and back-of-house entry points, seal the gaps we find, and set up scheduled service with written visit logs.
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Coral Terrace
Coral Terrace sits between several other Miami-Dade communities, and rodent pressure changes depending on how close a property is to those lines and to the main roads.
Along SW 8th Street (US 41)
Older block homes and small commercial strips sit close to this busy corridor. Dumpsters and open back doors draw Norway rats at night.
Near the Coral Gables border, east side
Homes closest to Coral Gables sit on some of the older, more established streets in the community, with mature tree canopy that gives roof rats a way onto the roof.
Near the Palmetto Expressway (SR 826), west side
Properties closest to the expressway see more Norway rat activity at ground level, moving along fence lines and drainage easements.
Interior residential streets
The densest blocks of original 1950s and 1960s homes, where small lots and shared fence lines let rodents move freely between properties.
Toward Westchester and Glenvar Heights
Similar block-home construction continues across this border, so what we find on one side usually matches the other.
ZIP 33144 pocket (toward West Miami)
The smaller section of Coral Terrace that falls in the 33144 ZIP code has its own mix of older homes and small businesses along the border.
Coral Terrace through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Miami-Dade has a humid subtropical climate with daily summer thunderstorms and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood low yards and drainage easements, pushing Norway rats toward carports, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep carports clear of stored boxes and clutter off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind can loosen aging soffit panels on the community’s 1950s and 1960s homes, opening new gaps into the attic. Storm debris also gives rodents extra places to hide near the house.
Tip: After any storm with high wind, walk the roofline and check the soffits.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Coral Terrace homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mango and avocado trees, common throughout Coral Terrace, are an easy meal for roof rats and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear fallen fruit from the yard.
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 Terrace response zone
Coral Terrace service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Coral Terrace falls mainly in ZIP codes 33144 and 33155. We cover the whole community and the rest of Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
3314433155
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Coral Terrace · Coral Gables border · Westchester · Glenvar Heights · West Miami · Fontainebleau
Reviews from Coral Terrace customers
Customer Reviews from Coral Terrace
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found gaps in our soffits we never knew about and sealed everything up. No more noises in the attic.”
MR
Maria R.Coral Terrace, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Quick response and very thorough. They explained everything and followed up until the rats were gone.”
CP
Carlos P.Coral Terrace, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional team that knew exactly what to look for in an older block home. Highly recommend.”
AL
Ana L.Coral Terrace, FL
Verified Coral Terrace rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Coral Terrace 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.
Most of Coral Terrace was built in the 1950s and 1960s, and after decades of Florida heat and storms, the original soffit panels and vent screens loosen or rust through. That gives roof rats an easy way into the attic. We check and seal these areas on every inspection.
It can, since lots in Coral Terrace are small and close together and rodents move easily between properties. Sealing your own home’s entry points is still the right first step, even if the property next door has not been treated yet.
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 Gables, Westchester, Glenvar Heights and Fontainebleau. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Coral Terrace
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Coral Terrace
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Coral Terrace dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Coral Terrace 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 Terrace 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 TerraceCoral Terrace, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
