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 Delray Beach rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Delray Beach, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings near the dock? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Delray Beach homes and businesses, from the historic bungalows near Pineapple Grove and downtown Atlantic Avenue to the canal front homes in Tropic Isle and the newer communities west of I-95. 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 Delray Beach.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Delray Beach
Why Delray Beach Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Delray Beach sits on the Atlantic Ocean with the Intracoastal Waterway running through the city, from the deepwater canals of Tropic Isle and Palm Trail to the beach along Atlantic Avenue. Warm weather all year, mature landscaping in the historic districts, and a mix of 1920s Florida homes and newer construction west of I-95 mean rats never get a slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Delray Beach. They travel along trees, hedges and power lines in the historic districts and Pineapple Grove Arts District, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, vent screens and tile roof edges. In older neighborhoods like Osceola Park and the streets around Old School Square, raised and pier-set homes also give them room to nest underneath the floor.
Norway rats stay near the ground and water. We find them along seawalls and docks in Tropic Isle and Palm Trail, near the Intracoastal Waterway, around dumpsters on Atlantic Avenue, and in garages in newer block and stucco homes west of I-95 in communities like Delray Lakes and The Bridges. Every part of the city has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Delray Beach
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Delray Beach
Most Delray Beach 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 Delray Beach homes, from historic bungalows near Pineapple Grove to canal front homes in Tropic Isle.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops on Atlantic Avenue and in Osceola Park.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 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 soffits, roof vents, seawall 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, dock and seawall cleanup advice, and tree trimming advice for Delray Beach homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Delray Beach Home
Rodents move at night, so most Delray Beach 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.
Hollowed fruit in the yard
Mangoes, avocados or grapefruit that are hollowed out on the tree or the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Delray Beach 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 near the dock or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Delray Beach Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Delray Beach, Norway rats show up near the seawalls, canals and 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 hedges
- 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 Delray 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
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks in waterfront neighborhoods
- Trees, hedges and vines touching the roof
- 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 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 Delray Beach Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1920s historic bungalow and a canal front ranch home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees, hedges and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks in Tropic Isle and Palm Trail
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- 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 Delray 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 near the Intracoastal 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 Delray 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 and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: New block homes west of I-95 get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just old construction.
- 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: 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: Waterfront homes only have a Norway rat problem
- Fact: Canal front homes in Tropic Isle and Palm Trail get roof rats in the attic just as often as Norway rats near the seawall.
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 a seawall 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, docks and neighboring yards.
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 |
| Activity near a seawall or dock | Burrows are hard to find and close | Bait and seal ground-level entry points |
Who we serve in Delray Beach
Rodent Control for Delray Beach Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Delray Beach
From historic bungalows near Pineapple Grove and Osceola Park to canal front homes in Tropic Isle and block homes west of I-95, each Delray Beach property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, seawall, garage 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.
- Historic homes
- Waterfront and canal homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Delray Beach
Restaurants and shops on Atlantic Avenue and in Pineapple Grove and Osceola Park 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
- Marinas and dockside businesses
- 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 rats.
How Delray Beach homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Delray Beach Home
Delray Beach has homes from the 1920s through new construction. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: historic districts and canal front
- Raised and pier-set homes near Pineapple Grove and Osceola Park sit off the ground, so rats nest under the floor
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Original 1960s and 1970s ranch homes in Tropic Isle with docks and seawalls that give ground-level access
- Mature trees and hedges that touch the roof
Newer homes: block, stucco and tile
- Block-and-stucco homes west of I-95 in communities like Delray Lakes and The Bridges
- 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 pool screen enclosure frames
- Landscaping and lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Delray Beach, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Delray Beach has very different pockets, from downtown arts districts to deepwater canals. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Pineapple Grove Arts District
Older commercial and residential buildings near downtown Atlantic Avenue. Roof rats travel the tree canopy and drop onto rooflines with open soffits.
Delray Beach’s historic districts
Older Florida homes around Old School Square and the downtown core. Raised construction and mature landscaping give rats places to nest.
Tropic Isle and Palm Trail
Deepwater canal neighborhoods with private docks and seawalls that connect to the Intracoastal Waterway. Norway rats burrow along the water’s edge.
Osceola Park
A redeveloping neighborhood south of Atlantic Avenue with a mix of older and renovated homes. We check crawl spaces and new construction seals alike.
Barwick Estates and the Lake Ida area
Established homes northwest of downtown with generous, mature landscaping. Overhanging trees are the usual path to the roofline here.
West of I-95: Delray Lakes and The Bridges
Newer gated communities with block-and-stucco homes and tile roofs. Roof edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points.
Delray Beach through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Delray Beach
Delray Beach has hot, humid summers and warm winters, so rodents stay active all year. The weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood low canal banks and yards, pushing Norway rats away from the water and 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)
Delray Beach has taken direct or near-direct hits from hurricanes over the years, most recently in 2004 and 2005. Storm surge along the beach and Intracoastal pushes rats out of burrows and into homes, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check the seawall for new burrows.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Delray Beach homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard fruit trees are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house through the summer.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Delray 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 hedges away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and storage under a raised home free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing 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 Delray Beach
Delray Beach is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal front home in Tropic Isle is different from what we do at a block home west of I-95.
Norway Rats Near Docks and Seawalls
These deepwater canal homes have private docks and seawalls, which give Norway rats a place to burrow at ground level within a few feet of the house.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall, dock and landscaping, seal ground-level gaps with hardware cloth, and bait the burrow areas until activity stops.
Roof Rats in Older Construction
Homes near downtown Atlantic Avenue were mostly built decades ago, with older soffits, vents and mature trees that give roof rats an easy path to the attic.
Our approach: We check the roofline and attic first, seal openings with metal and hardware cloth, then trap indoors until the attic is clear.
Garage and Tile Roof Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges, especially where landscaping has matured.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
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 Delray Beach response zone
Delray Beach service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are the Delray Beach ZIP codes we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Palm Beach County. Call if you do not see yours.
3344433445334463348333484
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Pineapple Grove Arts District · Delray Beach’s historic districts · Osceola Park · Tropic Isle · Palm Trail · Barwick Estates and the Lake Ida area · Delray Lakes · The Bridges
Reviews from Delray Beach customers
Customer Reviews from Delray Beach
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros took care of a rat problem near our dock in Tropic Isle. They were prompt and explained exactly where the rats were getting in.”
MR
Michael R.Delray Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Quick, professional service for our historic home near Pineapple Grove. Haven’t heard a thing in the attic since.”
LK
Laura K.Delray Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They knew exactly what to check on our block home west of I-95. I appreciated the follow-up visit to confirm it was clear.”
CT
Carlos T.Delray Beach, FL
Verified Delray Beach rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Delray 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.
Deepwater canal homes have docks and seawalls that give Norway rats a dry place to burrow close to the house. We inspect the shoreline and seal the ground-level gaps we find.
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.
Often, yes. Delray Beach has taken direct or near-direct hurricane hits over the years, most recently in 2004 and 2005. Storm surge along the beach and Intracoastal can push rats out of burrows and toward homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home 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 Boynton Beach, Boca Raton and Wellington. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Delray Beach
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Delray Beach
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Delray Beach dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Delray 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 Delray 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 Delray BeachDelray Beach, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
