Movement in the attic at night
Scratching or running sounds above the ceiling a few hours after dark, most often roof rats.
Your local Dunedin rodent control team
Rodent Control in Dunedin, FL
Rats and mice in a Gulf-front town like Dunedin move differently than they do inland. We inspect the roofline, seal the gaps, trap what is already inside and follow up until the activity stops, for homes and businesses from downtown to the causeway.
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 Dunedin.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Dunedin
Why Dunedin Has Rats Almost Year-Round
Dunedin sits on a narrow strip of the Pinellas County coast between St. Joseph Sound and the Gulf of Mexico, with the Dunedin Causeway running out to Honeymoon Island. Warm weather most of the year, a coastline on 3 sides and a mix of century-old homes downtown with newer construction inland give rats and mice plenty of places to nest close to your property.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel along oaks, sabal palms and power lines near downtown, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, vents and loose roof tile. In the older homes around Downtown Dunedin and along Edgewater Drive, raised foundations and original wood trim give them extra room to nest.
Norway rats stay low and close to water. We find them along seawalls and canal banks in Dunedin Isles and Heather Lake Estates, near the Dunedin Marina, and around dumpsters on Main Street. Every part of the city has its own pattern, so we inspect each property on its own before we treat it.
Explore Dunedin services →
Services available in Dunedin
Rodent Control Services Available in Dunedin
Calls pick up in Dunedin as the weather cools and again after summer storms push rodents out of low ground. We run the same services for homes near downtown, condos along the water and businesses on Main Street.
Residential Rodent ControlWe work with homeowners in Dunedin Isles, Edgewater and Highland Woods to seal entry points and clear rats and mice from attics, garages and crawl spaces.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlRestaurants and shops on Main Street and near the Dunedin Marina get scheduled service with written logs to satisfy health inspections.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTrapping and removal for active infestations in attics, seawalls and garages, sized to how many rodents and openings a property has.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalLocating and removing a dead rat or mouse from a wall, attic or crawl space before the smell spreads through the house.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nesting material after an infestation, with disinfecting so the space is safe again.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorA full-service exterminator visit for homes and businesses that need the infestation stopped, not just a few traps set.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionSealing roofline gaps, vents and slab penetrations with metal and hardware cloth so rodents cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalSafe removal of droppings from attics and cabinets, following CDC cleanup guidance to keep the job safe for your family.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingA property-wide check for weak points before rodents find them, timed ahead of hurricane season and cooler months.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Dunedin Home
Rodents move at night, so most homeowners here 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, screens or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring and lanai screens near the coast, which can cause shorts or let more pests in.
Hollowed fruit in the yard
Half-eaten citrus or mangoes still on the tree are a classic roof rat sign in older Dunedin yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest near the attic hatch or under sinks.
Pets staring at walls or cabinets
Dogs and cats often sense rodent activity behind a wall or under an appliance before you see any sign.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Dunedin Home?
Roof rats cause most of the attic calls we get in Dunedin, Norway rats turn up along 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, palms 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 near seawalls, canals, sheds and 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 Dunedin starts with a full inspection, inside and out, whether the property sits downtown, on the water or inland.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock areas for burrows
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage doors, screen enclosures and exterior doors
- Sabal palms, oaks and vines touching the roof
- 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 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 Dunedin Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall or foundation. What we check depends on how the property is built and whether it sits on the water.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older downtown homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof tile edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Sabal palms and oak branches touching the roof
Ground level, yard and water’s edge
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock boxes on waterfront lots
- 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 Dunedin Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so rodents do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and shoreline where it applies, 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 property 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 near canals 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 AC or pool equipment lines can cause leaks.
Myths vs facts
Rodent Myths We Hear From Dunedin 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 where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Being close to the Gulf keeps rodents away
- Fact: Dunedin’s coastline actually gives Norway rats more places to burrow, along seawalls, canal banks and the causeway.
- Myth: Steel wool or spray foam will seal a 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: Rodents often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: New construction does not get rats
- Fact: Newer block homes inland still get rats through garage doors, AC line gaps and roof tile edges.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rodent 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 a rodent but leave the openings in place, so new ones move in from the same oak, palm or canal bank.
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 |
| Burrows along a seawall or canal | Hard to locate and treat | Shoreline inspection and bait placement |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or screens | Risk of fire or storm damage getting worse | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
Who we serve in Dunedin
Two very different jobs. One local crew.
Residential Rodent Control in Dunedin
Dunedin homes range from raised bungalows near downtown to newer block construction inland and condos along the water. Each style has its own weak points, so we treat every home as its own job rather than a one-size plan.
Full roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof tile for gaps that let rats onto the roof and into the attic.
Trapping that is safe around kids and pets
We use sealed traps and bait stations placed away from where children and pets can reach them.
Entry point sealing, not just traps
Openings get closed with metal and hardware cloth so new rodents cannot move in behind the ones we remove.
24/7 emergency calls
Rodents do not wait for business hours, and neither does our dispatcher.
- Protects your family from rodent-borne disease.
- Protects wiring, insulation and structural wood.
- Backed by a licensed, EPA and FDACS certified team.
Commercial Rodent Control in Dunedin
Restaurants, retail and offices near Main Street and the Dunedin Marina need rodent control that does not interrupt customers or trigger a health inspection issue. We schedule around your hours and document every visit.
- Restaurants
- Retail Shops
- Marina-area Businesses
- Offices
- Vacation Rentals
Written service logs
Documentation you can show a health inspector, with dates and what was found and done.
After-hours scheduling
Service before or after open hours so customers never see a technician on site.
Dumpster and loading dock checks
Norway rats near Main Street and the marina are usually feeding off dumpsters and loading areas first.
Turnover checks for rentals
We can inspect a vacation rental between guests so a rodent problem does not turn into a bad review.
How Dunedin properties are built
Where Rodents Get In, by Type of Dunedin Property
Dunedin has homes from the early 1900s downtown, canal and seawall lots, and newer block construction inland. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Older homes near Downtown Dunedin
- Original wood-frame homes with raised foundations along Edgewater Drive and around Main Street
- Gaps in skirting, old vent screens and rotted sill boards
- Original soffits and attic vents with no wire mesh
- Mature oaks and sabal palms that touch the roofline
Waterfront and canal properties
- Seawalls and canal banks in Dunedin Isles and Heather Lake Estates give Norway rats a place to burrow
- Dock boxes, boat lifts and seawall caps used as cover
- Gaps where pool cages and lanai frames meet the house
- Storm surge from events like Hurricane Helene can push burrowing rats toward higher ground and into garages
Newer block homes inland
- Block-and-stucco homes toward Highland Woods and Curlew Creek with tile roofs
- Open roof tile edges and ridge caps
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screen enclosure frames
Vacation rentals and seasonal condos
- Properties left empty between guests give rodents time to nest undisturbed
- Turnover cleaning crews may miss attic hatches and garage corners
- We can run a quick check between bookings so a rodent problem does not show up in a guest review
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Area by area
Rodent Patterns Around Dunedin, Landmark by Landmark
Dunedin is a small city, but the coast, downtown and inland neighborhoods each bring their own rodent pressure. Here is what we usually check first near each area.
Downtown Dunedin and Main Street
Historic storefronts, restaurants and the Pinellas Trail running through the middle of town. We watch dumpster areas and old rooflines here.
Dunedin Marina and the Causeway
Boat storage, dock boxes and seawalls near the marina and the Dunedin Causeway give Norway rats places to burrow close to the water.
TD Ballpark and the spring training area
Home to the Toronto Blue Jays’ spring training since 1977. Nearby short-term rentals and busy parking areas see extra rodent activity during spring games.
Honeymoon Island and Caladesi Island
The state parks at the end of the causeway bring heavy beach traffic. Homes and rentals along the route to the islands get extra wear on screens and garage seals.
Dunedin Isles and Edgewater Drive
Canal-front and seawall lots along the sound. Norway rats burrow near the water and move toward garages and pool cages.
Highland Woods and Curlew Creek
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions inland. Roof tile edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points here.
Dunedin through the year
How the Season Changes Rodent Activity in Dunedin
Dunedin has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The season changes where they go and why calls pick up.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood low ground near canals and the sound, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and pool equipment rooms.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Helene brought historic storm surge to Dunedin’s coastal and low-lying areas in September 2024, and the Dunedin Causeway saw beach damage that was still being repaired years later. Storm surge pushes rodents out of burrows and into homes, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and screens.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check screen enclosures for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Dunedin homeowners first hear movement above the ceiling.
Tip: Have vents and soffits checked in the fall, before cooler weather arrives.
Spring training season
The Toronto Blue Jays hold spring training in Dunedin, and short-term rentals near TD Ballpark fill up. Properties that sit empty between guests give rodents time to settle in unnoticed.
Tip: Have a rental checked between bookings if it will sit empty for more than a few days.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Dunedin
Dunedin is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1920s home near downtown is different from what we do at a canal-front lot in Dunedin Isles.
Nesting Under the Roofline and Foundation
Original wood-frame homes with raised foundations and old soffit vents give rats easy places to get in and nest close to the living space.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space, skirting and soffit vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along Seawalls
Norway rats burrow into the ground near seawalls, canal banks and dock boxes, then work their way toward garages and pool cages.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and pool cage frame, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rodents through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges.
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 Dunedin response zone
Dunedin service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served ZIP codes. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
3469834697
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Dunedin · Dunedin Isles · Edgewater Drive · Highland Woods · Heather Lake Estates · Curlew Creek
Reviews from Dunedin customers
Customer Reviews from Dunedin
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found rats getting in near our seawall and sealed it up. Havent had a problem since.”
SK
Sarah K.Dunedin, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I run a cafe near Main Street and they set up scheduled service with logs I can show the health inspector. Easy to work with.”
MT
Mark T.Dunedin, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Quick response and they explained exactly where the rats were getting into the attic. Would recommend to anyone in Dunedin.”
LG
Linda G.Dunedin, FL
Verified Dunedin rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Dunedin Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
A single mouse caught with a snap trap is fine to handle yourself. Rats in the attic or burrowing near a seawall usually need a professional, since store-bought traps do not seal the openings that let new rodents in.
In many low-lying and waterfront areas, yes. Storm surge from Hurricane Helene in September 2024 flooded burrows near the coast and pushed rodents toward higher ground, and wind and water damage opened new gaps in soffits and screens. If your property had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline and screen enclosure checked.
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.
Norway rats burrow into the ground along seawalls, canal banks and dock boxes. Trapping helps, but the burrows need to be found and the gaps into garages or pool cages need to be sealed, or new rats move in from the same spot.
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.
Yes. Properties near TD Ballpark and the causeway that sit empty between bookings can pick up rodent activity that a cleaning crew misses. We can run a quick check on request.
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 Clearwater, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor and Largo. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Dunedin
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Dunedin
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Dunedin dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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.
Dunedin service hubDunedin, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
