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 East Lake-Orient Park rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in East Lake-Orient Park, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses across East Lake-Orient Park, from the block homes near the Tampa Bypass Canal to the warehouses and offices along US 301. 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 East Lake-Orient Park.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why East Lake-Orient Park
Why East Lake-Orient Park Sees Rodents Year Round
East Lake-Orient Park is an unincorporated community in Hillsborough County with about 28,050 residents, made up of the East Lake, Orient Park and Del Rio areas. The Tampa Bypass Canal runs north to south through the community, and the flat, low-lying drainage around it gives rats and mice plenty of cover close to homes and businesses.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel through tree canopy and along fence lines, then get into attics through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps where utility lines enter the house. In the older ranch-style block homes near East Lake and Orient Park, worn roof edges and unscreened attic vents are the usual way in.
Norway rats stay lower to the ground. We find them along the banks of the Tampa Bypass Canal, in drainage ditches, around dumpsters at the warehouses and distribution buildings along US Route 301, and in sheds and garages in the community’s mobile and manufactured home parks. The area also sits next to the Florida State Fairgrounds, and the food vendors and storage buildings there draw rodents close to nearby homes, especially outside fair season when the grounds are quieter.
Services available in East Lake-Orient Park
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in East Lake-Orient Park
Most jobs in East Lake-Orient Park 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, garage and crawl space rat removal for homes in East Lake, Orient Park, Del Rio and nearby mobile home communities.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for warehouses, distribution centers and shops along US 301 and near the Florida State Fairgrounds.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use, along canal banks and fence lines, and checked on return visits until 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, pipe gaps and skirting on manufactured homes 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, skirting repair and yard advice for homes near the canal and drainage ditches.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an East Lake-Orient Park Home
Rodents move at night, so most homeowners here 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.
Burrows along the canal or ditch bank
Fresh holes near the Tampa Bypass Canal or drainage ditches at the edge of a yard are a common sign of Norway rats.
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 East Lake-Orient Park Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls here, Norway rats show up along the Tampa Bypass Canal, drainage ditches and warehouse 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 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 along canal banks, ditches, 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 East Lake-Orient Park 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
- Skirting and undercarriage on mobile and manufactured homes
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Canal banks, drainage ditches and fence lines near the property
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and outdoor grills
- 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 an East Lake-Orient Park Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how the property is built, since a block ranch home and a manufactured home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including worn wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and fence lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Skirting and vents underneath mobile and manufactured homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Canal banks, ditches and low, wet spots in the yard
- Dumpster and loading dock areas at nearby warehouses
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 East Lake-Orient Park 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 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, a real concern near the canal banks and drainage ditches after heavy rain.
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 East Lake-Orient Park 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: Rats only come from the canal, so canal-front homes are the only ones at risk
- Fact: Roof rats travel through trees and along fence lines, so homes several streets back from the water get them too.
- 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: 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 canal bank are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the canal, drainage ditches or nearby lots.
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 |
| Burrows near the canal or ditch | Hard to treat safely near water | Bank inspection and targeted control |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Rats under a manufactured home | Skirting is hard to access and seal | Skirting repair and undercarriage sealing |
Who we serve in East Lake-Orient Park
Rodent Control for East Lake-Orient Park Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in East Lake-Orient Park
From block ranch homes in East Lake and Orient Park to mobile and manufactured home communities near Del Rio, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, skirting, 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.
- Block ranch homes
- Mobile and manufactured homes
- Canal-front lots
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in East Lake-Orient Park
Warehouses, distribution buildings and shops along US 301, along with vendors and storage buildings near the Florida State Fairgrounds, deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that stay open during loading. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Warehouses
- Distribution centers
- Retail and offices
- Restaurants
- 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.
Dock 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 East Lake-Orient Park properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Property
East Lake-Orient Park has a mix of block ranch homes, mobile and manufactured home communities, and warehouses along US 301. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Mobile and manufactured homes
- Gaps and tears in skirting around the base of the home
- Undercarriage vents with missing screens
- Steps, decks and storage sheds built against the home
- Utility hookups where lines pass through the skirting
- Overgrown lots and fence lines nearby
Block ranch homes and warehouses
- Block ranch homes in East Lake and Orient Park with worn roof edges
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Warehouse and distribution building loading docks along US 301
- Garage door corners and utility room vents
- Dumpster pads and dry storage areas
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across East Lake-Orient Park
East Lake-Orient Park covers several distinct areas. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Florida State Fairgrounds area
The fairgrounds host the Florida State Fair every February. Food vendors and storage buildings on the grounds draw rodents to nearby homes and businesses, especially in the quieter months between fairs.
NetPark Tampa Bay (former East Lake Square Mall)
This office park sits on the site of the old East Lake Square Mall. Large flat roofs and loading areas nearby give rats and mice easy cover close to surrounding neighborhoods.
Tampa Bypass Canal corridor
The canal runs north to south through the community. Norway rats burrow along its banks and move into yards and garages closest to the water.
US 301 warehouse and distribution corridor
Warehouses and distribution buildings line US 301. Loading docks and dry storage areas are common entry points we check first for commercial customers.
Orient Park and Del Rio
Older block ranch homes mixed with mobile home communities. Worn roof edges and torn skirting are the most common ways rats get in.
Bordering Tampa, Temple Terrace and Brandon
East Lake-Orient Park sits between Tampa, Temple Terrace, Thonotosassa, Mango and Brandon, so rodents move freely between these areas along the canal and rail and road corridors.
East Lake-Orient Park through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity Here
East Lake-Orient Park has a humid subtropical climate with daily summer thunderstorms and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather and the fair calendar change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in the Tampa Bypass Canal and drainage ditches, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain can push canal and ditch water higher and flood burrows, forcing rodents out and toward nearby homes. Wind can also open new gaps in soffits and roof edges.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the property and check the roofline and skirting.
Florida State Fair season (mid-February)
The fairgrounds bring in food vendors and extra storage buildings each February. Rodents that gather around the grounds during the fair often move into nearby neighborhoods once it ends.
Tip: Check attics and garages in the weeks after the fair closes.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and skirted spaces under manufactured homes. This is when many homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and skirting in the fall, before cooler weather.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in East Lake-Orient Park
East Lake-Orient Park is not one kind of property. What we do at a manufactured home near Del Rio is different from what we do at a warehouse on US 301.
Torn Skirting and Undercarriage Access
Gaps or tears in skirting around the base of the home give rats and mice a dry, hidden space to nest close to the living area.
Our approach: We inspect the skirting and undercarriage, repair or seal openings with hardware cloth and metal, then trap underneath until activity stops.
Roofline and Vent Gaps
Older block ranch homes often have worn roof edges and attic vents with missing or damaged screens.
Our approach: We check the roofline and vents first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Loading Dock and Storage Entry Points
Doors left open during loading and gaps around dock levelers give rodents an easy way into dry storage areas.
Our approach: We inspect the dock area and storage racks, then set a scheduled trapping and sealing plan with written visit logs.
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 East Lake-Orient Park response zone
East Lake-Orient Park service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
East Lake-Orient Park covers ZIP codes 33610 and 33619. We also serve the neighboring communities below. Call if you do not see your area.
3361033619
Areas we serve
Call (561) 562-7607 →
East Lake · Orient Park · Del Rio · Tampa · Temple Terrace · Thonotosassa · Mango · Brandon
Reviews from East Lake-Orient Park customers
Customer Reviews from East Lake-Orient Park
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found and sealed the gap the rats were using under our skirting. No more noises since.”
JD
John D.East Lake-Orient Park, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and explained exactly where the rats were getting into our attic. Quick and thorough.”
SM
Sarah M.East Lake-Orient Park, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We run a warehouse off US 301 and needed scheduled service with logs. They set it up fast and keep good records.”
TL
Tom L.East Lake-Orient Park, FL
Verified East Lake-Orient Park rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From East Lake-Orient Park 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 rats are inside and how many openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Properties closer to the canal and drainage ditches tend to see more Norway rat activity, especially after heavy rain. Roof rats travel through trees and along fence lines, so homes farther from the water are not immune either.
Mobile and manufactured homes need the skirting and undercarriage checked closely. Gaps or tears there are the most common way rats get underneath. We repair or seal them with hardware cloth and metal, then trap in the space until activity stops.
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.
The fairgrounds see extra food vendors and storage buildings during the Florida State Fair each February. Rodents drawn to the grounds during the fair sometimes move into nearby neighborhoods afterward, so it is worth having your property checked in the weeks after the fair.
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.
Nearby cities we serve
Rodent Control Near East Lake-Orient Park
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in East Lake-Orient Park
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in East Lake-Orient Park
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
East Lake-Orient Park dispatch is ready
Rats in Your East Lake-Orient Park 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 East Lake-Orient Park 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 East Lake-Orient ParkEast Lake-Orient Park, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
