Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Activity usually picks up a few hours after sunset.
Your local Crestview rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Crestview, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Crestview homes and businesses, from new construction in Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch to older homes near downtown and North Ferdon Boulevard. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Crestview.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Crestview
Why Crestview Homes Get Rats and Mice Year-Round
Crestview sits on a ridge between the Yellow River and the Shoal River, in longleaf pine country with the Blackwater River State Forest just to the northwest. Newer subdivisions built at the edge of the woods, older homes near a 100-year-old downtown, and winters cooler than most of Florida all add up to rodent pressure that does not really stop.
The newest growth in Crestview, including Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch, is built right up against wooded lots and cleared land that still borders pine and hardwood forest. Rats and mice move in from that tree line as soon as a home is finished, looking for a warm, dry place with less competition than the woods. These homes often still have gaps around new construction siding, vents and garage doors that have never been checked for rodent entry.
Older homes near the Crestview Commercial Historic District downtown and along North Ferdon Boulevard date to the early and mid-1900s, many on pier-and-beam foundations with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in skirting, old attic vents with no screens, and rotted sill boards give rodents an easy way into these houses. Crestview also sits at around 164 feet of elevation, one of the higher points in this part of the Panhandle, and gets real cold snaps in winter that push rodents indoors harder than in most of Florida.
Services available in Crestview
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Crestview
Most Crestview 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 crawl space rat removal for Crestview homes, from pier-and-beam houses near downtown to new construction in Shoal River Landing.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops downtown and warehouses near the I-10 and US 90 interchange.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 crawl spaces, 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 crawl space vents, soffits, pipe gaps and garage corners with metal and mortar so rodents 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, crawl space skirting repair and tree-trimming advice for Crestview homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Crestview Home
Rodents move at night, so most Crestview 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 vent screens
Rodents gnaw on wiring, foam and thin vent screens. This can lead to shorts, water intrusion and costly repairs.
Gnawed pine cones and acorns
Small piles of chewed pine cones or acorns near the foundation or under a shed are a common sign near wooded lots in Crestview.
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 Crestview Home?
Norway rats and house mice cause most of the calls we get in Crestview, especially near wooded lots and older crawl spaces. Roof rats show up too, usually climbing oaks and pines onto the roofline. 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 and thick trees
- 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, woodpiles and crawl spaces
- 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 Crestview 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
- Crawl space skirting, foundation vents and pier gaps
- Pine and oak branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen pine cones or acorns
- 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. 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 Crestview Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the crawl space. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a pier-and-beam house near downtown and a new build in Shoal River Landing have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes near downtown
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Pine and oak branches or power lines touching the roof
- Older vents with missing or rusted screens
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under pier-and-beam homes downtown, and cleared-lot edges next to wooded areas in Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Bird feeders, pet food and fallen pine cones or acorns
- Carports, detached garages and outbuildings
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 Crestview Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rodents do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and crawl space, 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 rodents 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 rodents 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 Crestview 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 rodents often die inside walls or under the floor, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes downtown get rats
- Fact: New homes in Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch get them too. Rodents come from the tree line next door, not from old age of a house.
- 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 crawl spaces and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rodents often move to a different part of the attic or crawl space. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly, so a few can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time, especially once cooler weather pushes more of them indoors.
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 crawl space are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rodents but leave the openings in place, so new ones move in from the tree line or crawl space vents.
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 | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls or under the floor | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats under a pier-and-beam house | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Crestview
Rodent Control for Crestview Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Crestview
From pier-and-beam homes near the historic downtown to new construction in Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch, each Crestview home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, garage and yard, then seal the openings rodents 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.
- Historic downtown homes
- New construction
- Pier-and-beam homes
- Rentals and military housing
Commercial Rodent Control in Crestview
Crestview sits at the junction of US 90, State Road 85 and I-10, so warehouses, distribution sites and shops near the interstate deal with daily deliveries and doors that open all day. Shops and restaurants downtown deal with shared walls and back-of-house storage. Florida businesses that serve food are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- 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 rodents.
Rentals and military families
Rental Homes and Military Families Near Eglin AFB
Eglin Air Force Base sits about 6 miles south of Crestview, and the 7th Special Forces Group relocated to the area in 2005. That brings steady turnover of rental homes and leased housing as military families move in and out, which is a pattern most rodent control pages never mention.
For landlords and property managers
- Openings from a prior tenant’s unreported problem often go unsealed between leases
- We can inspect and seal a property during the gap between move-out and move-in
- Written reports are available for lease files or a property management company
- Scheduled service is available for multiple rental units on one route
For military and relocating families
- New to the area and not sure if noises in the attic are normal? Call for an inspection
- We work with PCS timelines and can move quickly before a move-in date
- Off-base rentals near Eglin AFB and Crestview get the same inspection as any home
- Ask about a pre-move-in check if you are signing a lease sight unseen
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Crestview
Crestview is not one kind of house. What we do at a new build in Shoal River Landing is different from what we do at a pier-and-beam home downtown.
Rodents Moving In From the Tree Line
These subdivisions are built at the edge of wooded lots, so rats and mice move straight from the pine and hardwood forest into new homes through gaps that have never been checked.
Our approach: We inspect new construction gaps around vents, garage doors and utility penetrations, then seal them with metal and hardware cloth before activity gets established.
Crawl Space and Attic Vent Gaps
Pier-and-beam homes from the early and mid-1900s have crawl space skirting, old vent screens and sill boards that wear out over decades.
Our approach: We check the crawl space and attic vents first, seal what we find with hardware cloth and mortar, then trap what is already inside.
Openings Nobody Sealed Between Tenants
Rental turnover means a rodent problem from a prior tenant sometimes goes unreported, and the entry point stays open for the next family to move in.
Our approach: We inspect between leases when asked, seal any openings we find, and give the landlord or new tenant a written report.
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Crestview, Area by Area
Crestview has very different pockets, from a restored historic downtown to brand-new subdivisions. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown and the Commercial Historic District
Restored brick storefronts along North Ferdon Boulevard, listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Older buildings with shared walls and rooflines are the usual entry points here.
Shoal River Landing and Shoal River Ranch
Newer subdivisions built at the edge of wooded lots. Rodents move in from the tree line through gaps that have never been checked.
Twin Hills Park and Old Spanish Trail Park
Homes near these parks and their tree cover see more visits from wooded-lot rodents than homes farther from green space.
Near Eglin Air Force Base
Rental and leased housing with regular turnover from military families. We work with move-in and move-out timelines.
Along the CSX rail corridor and Old Spanish Trail
Older commercial buildings and homes near the rail line, some with gaps at the roofline where the building’s age shows.
US 90, State Road 85 and I-10 corridor
Crestview’s “Hub City” crossroads means warehouses and distribution buildings with loading docks and daily deliveries.
Crestview through the year
How Crestview Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Crestview gets the highest average rainfall in Florida and, unlike most of the state, real cold snaps in winter. Both change where rodents go and how hard they push to get inside.
Rainy season
Crestview averages about 63.6 inches of rain a year, among the highest totals in Florida. Heavy rain floods burrows near wooded lots and low yards, pushing rats and mice toward sheds, crawl spaces and garages.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Crestview is inland, but storms tracking up from the Gulf still bring heavy wind and rain this far north. Downed limbs and storm debris near wooded lots give rodents extra cover close to homes.
Tip: After a storm, check the roofline and clear fallen branches from against the house.
Cold snaps
Crestview sits at one of the higher elevations in the Panhandle and has recorded a low of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. When a real cold front comes through, rodents push harder to get into a warm attic or wall void than they would farther south in Florida.
Tip: Check vents and crawl space skirting before the first cold front each fall.
New construction season
Crestview’s population grew about 29% between 2010 and 2020, and new subdivisions keep clearing lots next to standing woods. Each new phase of construction displaces the rodents already living in that tree line, and the newest homes nearby are the first place they look.
Tip: If you just moved into a new build near wooded land, ask for an inspection before you unpack the garage.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rodents Away From Your Crestview Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, woods and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof, especially near a tree-line lot
- Rake up fallen pine cones and acorns near the foundation
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Stack firewood at least a foot off the ground and away from the house
- Keep crawl space skirting and sheds free of clutter
- 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 crawl space, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic and crawl space every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, especially before the first cold front
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, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Crestview response zone
Crestview service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Crestview covers 2 ZIP codes. We serve the whole city and the surrounding parts of Okaloosa County. Call if you do not see yours.
3253632539
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Crestview · Commercial Historic District · North Ferdon Boulevard · Shoal River Landing · Shoal River Ranch · Near Eglin Air Force Base
Reviews from Crestview customers
Customer Reviews from Crestview
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap under our crawl space skirting in about 10 minutes. Sealed it up and we have not heard a thing since.”
RB
Ray B.Crestview, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We just moved into a new build in Shoal River Landing and were already hearing noises in the attic. They came out fast and explained everything.”
KP
Kayla P.Crestview, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They walked us through what they found near our downtown rental and gave us a written report for our landlord.”
TW
Tony W.Crestview, FL
Verified Crestview rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Crestview 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 rodents are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many homes near the Commercial Historic District and North Ferdon Boulevard sit on pier-and-beam foundations with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rodents a dry, hidden place to nest. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rodents often die inside walls or under the floor 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. Crestview sits at a higher elevation than most of Florida and has recorded a winter low of 5 degrees Fahrenheit. When a real cold front moves through, rodents push harder to find a warm attic or crawl space, which is why we see more calls right after the first cold snap each fall.
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, crawl spaces 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.
Cost depends on the size of the home, how many rodents are inside and how many openings need sealing. We inspect the property first and give you a clear estimate before any work starts.
Yes. We also serve Niceville, Fort Walton Beach, Wright and Navarre. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Crestview
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Crestview
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Crestview dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Crestview 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 Crestview 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 CrestviewCrestview, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
