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 Daytona Beach rodent control team
Rat and Mouse Removal in Daytona Beach, FL
Roof rats in the attic, Norway rats near the Halifax River, and mice in beachside apartments all show up in Daytona Beach. We inspect, seal the entry points, trap what is inside and follow up until the activity stops.
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 Daytona Beach.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Daytona Beach
Why Daytona Beach Has Rats and Mice Year Round
Daytona Beach sits between the Atlantic Ocean and the Halifax River, part of the Intracoastal Waterway, with more than 23 miles of beach in the area. Warm weather most of the year, older beachside apartments next to newer golf course homes, and constant construction along the water give rodents plenty of places to live.
Roof rats are the most common call in Daytona Beach. They climb oaks and power lines near older neighborhoods like Seabreeze and Ortona, then drop onto roofs and get into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents. These beachside buildings date mostly from the early 1900s through the 1970s, and salt air breaks down screens and vent covers over time, giving rats an easy way in.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along seawalls and docks on the Halifax River near Riverside Drive, around dumpsters near International Speedway Boulevard hotels and restaurants, and in garages in newer block homes in LPGA International and Mosaic. House mice turn up in kitchens and pantries in almost any part of the city, including the 55-plus community at Latitude Margaritaville.
Explore Daytona Beach services →
Services available in Daytona Beach
Rodent Control Services Available in Daytona Beach
From beachside apartments to golf course homes, our services cover every part of Daytona Beach, including full rat and mouse removal, exclusion and cleanup.
Residential Rodent ControlFull inspections and sealing for homes in Seabreeze, Ortona, LPGA International, Indigo Lakes and every other Daytona Beach neighborhood.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for hotels, motels and restaurants along International Speedway Boulevard and the beachside strip.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTrapping and removal of roof rats, Norway rats and house mice from homes and businesses across Daytona Beach.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalSafe removal of dead rodents from attics, walls and crawl spaces, with odor control.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings and nesting material, with disinfecting of attics and affected rooms.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians using proven methods for lasting rodent control.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionSealing roof gaps, vents and foundation openings so rodents cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalSafe cleanup and sanitizing of rodent droppings following CDC guidance.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingProperty assessment and barrier installation to keep Daytona Beach homes rodent-free long term.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Daytona Beach Home
Rodents move at night, so most homeowners notice 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.
Torn screens near the beach
Salt air breaks down window and vent screens over time. Rats and mice use the tears to get inside older beachside buildings.
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 Daytona Beach Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls near the beach and in older neighborhoods, Norway rats show up along the Halifax River, docks and dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries anywhere in 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 under seawalls, docks, sheds and rubbish
- 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 Daytona Beach 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
- Screens and vent covers weakened by salt air
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Foundation, seawalls and dock areas along the river
- Palm trees and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and dumpsters near restaurants
- 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, and salt air corrodes cheap screening fast.
- 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 Daytona Beach Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. A 1920s beachside apartment and a newer home in LPGA International have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including salt-damaged wood on older beachside buildings
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Torn or rusted screens on vents and windows
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Palm fronds and tree limbs touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, docks and riverbank burrows along the Halifax River
- Sheds, storage areas and dumpster pads
- Bird feeders, pet food and open garbage
- 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 Daytona Beach 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 or storm surge can be a concern near the river.
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 Daytona Beach 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 the beach get rats
- Fact: Newer homes in LPGA International and Mosaic get rats too. They come for shelter and water, not just old construction.
- Myth: Salt air keeps pests away
- Fact: Salt air actually breaks down screens and vent covers over time, giving rodents new ways inside older beachside buildings.
- 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 or along the river 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, palms and the riverbank.
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 seawall or dock | Burrows are hard to find and seal | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Daytona Beach
Two very different jobs. One local crew.
Residential Rodent Control in Daytona Beach
From beachside apartments in Seabreeze to golf course homes in LPGA International, our residential service is built around how the property is constructed and where it sits.
Comprehensive home inspections
We check the roofline, attic, screens and foundation to find how rodents are getting into your Daytona Beach home.
Customized exclusion plans
We seal entry points with materials that hold up to salt air, not foam that rodents chew through.
Ongoing monitoring services
Follow-up visits confirm the rodents are gone and the seal is holding.
Emergency response services
We take calls 24/7 so a rodent problem does not sit for days before it is handled.
- Protects family health by preventing disease transmission from rodents.
- Safeguards property from damage caused by rodent infestations.
- Enhances peace of mind knowing your home is rodent-free.
Commercial Rodent Control in Daytona Beach
Hotels, motels and restaurants along International Speedway Boulevard and the beachside strip see heavy customer traffic, especially during Speedway events. We build a scheduled plan around that.
- Hotels and Motels
- Restaurants
- Retail Stores
- Vacation Rentals
- Office Buildings
Tailored pest management plans
We build a plan around your property type, whether it is a beachside motel or a restaurant kitchen.
Written logs for health inspections
We give you a service record you can show a health inspector if asked.
Rapid response times
We pride ourselves on quick response times, especially before busy Speedway race weekends.
Employee training on pest prevention
We show staff what to watch for so small issues get reported early.
How Daytona Beach homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Daytona Beach Home
Daytona Beach has beachside buildings from the early 1900s alongside golf course homes built in the last 20 years. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older beachside homes and apartments
- Seabreeze and Ortona buildings dating from 1901 to the 1970s, many with small apartment units
- Salt air damaged screens, vent covers and window seals
- Older soffits and roof vents with no screening left
- Shared walls and rooflines in multi-unit beachside buildings
- Oaks and palms that touch the roof
Newer golf course and block homes
- Block-and-stucco homes in LPGA International, Mosaic and Latitude Margaritaville
- Open 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 lanai screen frames near golf course ponds and preserves
- Mature trees in Indigo Lakes and Pelican Bay used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Daytona Beach, Area by Area
Daytona Beach has very different pockets of housing. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Seabreeze Historic District and Ortona
Beachside buildings dating from 1901 through the 1970s, many with small apartment units. Salt air wears down screens and vents, giving rats and mice new openings.
Riverside Drive and the Halifax River
Older waterfront homes with docks and seawalls. Norway rats burrow near the water, and storm surge has pushed them toward homes after hurricanes.
International Speedway Boulevard corridor
Hotels, motels and restaurants near Daytona International Speedway. High customer traffic means we set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
LPGA International and Mosaic
Newer block-and-stucco homes near golf course ponds and preserves. Roof edges, AC line gaps and lanai screens are the usual entry points.
Indigo Lakes and Pelican Bay
Mature, tree-covered single-family neighborhoods built mostly from the 1980s through the 2000s. Big trees near rooflines are the main concern.
Latitude Margaritaville
Newer 55-plus community with energy-efficient villas and single-family homes. Landscaping near preserves and ponds is the usual entry point to check.
Daytona Beach through the year
How Daytona Beach Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Daytona Beach has a humid subtropical climate with a wet season from late May through October and a cooler, drier season from November through April. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Wet season, late May to October
Heavy rain floods burrows near the river and low-lying yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season, June 1 to November 30
Hurricane Nicole in November 2022 caused unprecedented beachfront building damage across Volusia County and severe beach erosion. Storms like this push rodents out of burrows and damage soffits and vents, giving them new ways into homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and vents.
Mild winter, November to April
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Daytona Beach homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Speedway event weekends
Major events at Daytona International Speedway bring heavy short-term traffic to nearby hotels and restaurants, which means more food waste and a higher chance of rodent activity around dumpsters.
Tip: Businesses near the Speedway should schedule inspections before big race weekends.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Daytona Beach Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Keep seawalls, docks and the space under raised buildings free of clutter
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Store beach and fishing gear off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Check screens and vent covers for salt air damage each year
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 Daytona Beach
Daytona Beach is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic beachside apartment is different from what we do at a newer home in LPGA International.
Salt-Damaged Screens and Vents
These buildings date from 1901 to the 1970s. Salt air breaks down window screens and vent covers over time, giving rats and mice new openings into attics and wall voids.
Our approach: We inspect every vent and screen, replace weak points with corrosion-resistant hardware cloth and metal, then trap what is already inside.
Garage and Lanai Gaps Near Preserves
Newer block-and-stucco homes near golf course ponds and preserves still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and lanai screen frames.
Our approach: We check the garage, lanai and roofline first, then seal what we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Docks
Norway rats burrow along seawalls and docks on the Halifax River, especially after storm surge disturbs the riverbank.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
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 Daytona Beach response zone
Daytona Beach service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Daytona Beach uses ZIP codes 32114 through 32126. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Volusia County. Call if you do not see yours.
321143211732118321193212032124
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Seabreeze Historic District · Ortona · Riverside Drive · Indigo Lakes · Pelican Bay · LPGA International · Mosaic · Latitude Margaritaville
Reviews from Daytona Beach customers
Customer Reviews from Daytona Beach
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“They found the gap in our soffit near the roofline that we could never spot ourselves. Attic has been quiet since.”
MR
Mike R.Daytona Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Fast response for our motel near the Speedway. They set up a regular schedule and gave us the paperwork for our health inspection.”
AP
Angela P.Daytona Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats coming in near our dock on the Halifax River. They sealed it up and checked back twice to make sure it held.”
DC
David C.Daytona Beach, FL
Verified Daytona Beach rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Daytona Beach 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.
These beachside buildings date from 1901 through the 1970s. Salt air breaks down window screens and vent covers over time, giving rats and mice new openings. We replace those with corrosion-resistant materials.
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.
In beachfront areas, yes. Hurricane Nicole in November 2022 caused unprecedented building damage and beach erosion across Volusia County. Storm surge pushed rodents out of burrows near the shore and damaged soffits and vents, opening new ways into homes. If your property had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
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 Ormond Beach, Holly Hill, Port Orange and South Daytona. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Daytona Beach
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Daytona Beach
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Daytona Beach dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Daytona Beach 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 Daytona Beach 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 Daytona BeachDaytona Beach, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
