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 Edgewater rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Edgewater, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the seawall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Edgewater homes and businesses, from the canal lots of Florida Shores to the older homes near Riverside Drive. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Edgewater.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Edgewater
Why Edgewater Has an Ongoing Rat Problem
Edgewater sits on the western shore of Mosquito Lagoon, part of the Indian River Lagoon system, and the city runs parallel to that water for nearly its whole length. Canals, seawalls and low ground near the lagoon give Norway rats a place to burrow, and mature trees along the older streets give roof rats a path onto the roof.
Florida Shores, the largest neighborhood in the city, is a grid of canal lots built mostly between 1970 and the present. Norway rats burrow along the canal banks and seawalls there and move into garages and low crawl spaces after heavy rain. The city has dealt with recurring flooding in this neighborhood, including major flooding during Hurricane Ian in 2022, which pushes rodents out of low ground and toward dry shelter in homes.
Closer to the river, in the older section between US Highway 1 and the water near Riverside Drive, homes tend to be smaller and older, some with crawl spaces or low piers. Roof rats use oaks and power lines to reach the roofline here. In Edgewater Landing and River Edge Acres, the mix of single-family homes and mobile homes along the water gets Norway rats at ground level, especially around skirting and utility hookups. Every part of Edgewater has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Edgewater
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Edgewater
Most Edgewater 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, crawl space and canal-lot rat removal for Edgewater homes, from Florida Shores to the older streets near Riverside Drive.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops, marinas and restaurants along US Highway 1.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along seawalls, garages and attics, checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or under a mobile home? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, garages and crawl spaces, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps, mobile home skirting and garage corners with metal 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 tree trimming advice for Edgewater homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Edgewater Home
Rodents move at night, so most Edgewater 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.
Fresh burrow holes near the seawall
Norway rats dig burrows about 2 to 4 inches wide along canal banks, seawalls and under sheds in Florida Shores and Edgewater Landing.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets, the attic hatch or under a mobile home.
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 Edgewater Home?
Norway rats cause most calls near the canals and low ground in Edgewater, roof rats show up in the older, tree-lined streets near the river, 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.
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows along canal banks, seawalls, sheds and rubbish
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces and trees near older homes
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed 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 Edgewater 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
- Canal banks, seawalls and drainage ditches near the property
- Mobile home skirting and utility hookups
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and boat or dock storage
- 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 skirting.
- 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 Edgewater Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how and where the home is built, since a canal lot in Florida Shores and an older home near Riverside Drive 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
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak and pine branches touching the roof
- Roofline gaps on older homes near the historic district
Ground level, canal and yard
- Seawalls, canal banks and drainage ditches for burrow holes
- Mobile home skirting, utility hookups and tie-down areas
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces on raised or pier homes near the river
- Boat, dock and storage shed areas
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 Edgewater 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 canal bank, 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. Standing water after heavy rain along the canals is a real concern in Edgewater.
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 or under a mobile home.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Edgewater Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison along the canal is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die in wall voids or under the home, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap and seal instead.
- Myth: Only homes near the water get rats
- Fact: Homes near Riverside Drive and inland lots get rats too. Rats come for shelter and food, not just canals.
- Myth: Foam or plastic skirting will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats chew through foam and plastic. 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 canal burrows and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the property. 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 along a seawall or under the attic 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 or the trees next door.
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 the seawall | Hard to locate and close off | Canal bank inspection and sealing |
| 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 under a mobile home | Skirting is hard to reach and seal | Skirting repair with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Edgewater
Rodent Control for Edgewater Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Edgewater
From canal lots in Florida Shores and Edgewater Landing to older homes near Riverside Drive, each Edgewater property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, canal bank or 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.
- Canal and waterfront homes
- Mobile and manufactured homes
- Older homes near the river
- Rentals and seasonal homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Edgewater
Shops, marinas and restaurants along US Highway 1 deal with daily deliveries, 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
- Marinas and boatyards
- Retail stores
- Offices
- 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 dock 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 Edgewater homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Edgewater Home
Edgewater has homes from the 1920s river district to canal lots built since the 1970s. The way a home is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Canal and waterfront lots: Florida Shores, Edgewater Landing
- Norway rats burrow into canal banks and seawalls, then move up into garages and sheds
- Mobile home skirting with gaps at corners and utility hookups
- Low crawl spaces that flood in heavy rain and push rats toward dry ground
- Boat storage, dock boxes and stored gear
- Older skirting materials that rats can chew through
Older homes near Riverside Drive and US 1
- Historic homes with crawl spaces or low piers between the highway and the river
- Roofline and soffit gaps on older construction
- Oak trees and power lines that give roof rats a path to the roof
- Garages and sheds set close to overgrown lots
- Older attic vents with torn or missing screens
Around town
Landmarks and Points of Interest in Edgewater
Edgewater is a small, waterfront city, so its landmarks say a lot about where rodent calls come from. Here is what we usually check near each one.
Indian River Lagoon Park
A waterfront park with a beach, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier and kayak rentals. Homes near parks like this often see Norway rats moving in from the shoreline vegetation.
Riverwalk Park
Walking paths, benches and a fishing pier along the water near the older part of the city. Nearby homes tend to be older, with more crawl space and roofline gaps.
Hawks Park
Named for John Milton Hawks, who established the settlement that became Edgewater. It sits on the west side of US Highway 1 in the older part of town.
Florida Shores
The largest neighborhood in Edgewater, a grid of canal lots between I-95 and the railroad. Norway rats are the most common call here, usually along the water.
Edgewater Landing and River Edge Acres
Waterfront neighborhoods with a mix of single-family and mobile homes. Skirting and utility hookups are the usual entry points we check first.
Riverside Drive historic area
Older homes between US Highway 1 and the river. Many sit on piers or have crawl spaces, which gives rats room to nest underneath.
Edgewater through the year
How Seasons and Storms Affect Rodent Activity in Edgewater
Edgewater’s low ground near Mosquito Lagoon means storms change rodent behavior more here than in a lot of Florida cities. The Florida Shores neighborhood in particular has a history of flooding in heavy rain.
Rainy season and local flooding
Florida Shores has dealt with recurring flooding in heavy rain, and the city has added pumps and culvert work near Duck Lake to manage it. When canal banks and low yards flood, Norway rats move toward higher, drier ground, often a garage or a home.
Tip: After heavy rain, check the garage floor and skirting for new burrow holes.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian brought historic flooding to Edgewater in 2022, and the city has since worked to fortify low areas against future storms. Storm surge and heavy rain push rats out of burrows and into homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and skirting.
Tip: After a storm, check the roofline and any mobile home skirting for damage.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry shelter, which is when many Edgewater homeowners first hear scratching in the attic or under the house.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and skirting in the fall, before cooler weather.
Dry season along the lagoon
When water levels drop, rats along the canal banks range farther for food and water, which can bring them closer to homes and boat storage areas.
Tip: Keep boat and dock storage sealed and off the ground.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Edgewater Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Clear brush and stored items from canal banks and seawalls
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Store boat and fishing gear off the ground
- Check mobile home skirting for gaps after storms
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Keep sheds and dock boxes closed and organized
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
- Check crawl spaces and skirting every few months
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Edgewater
Edgewater is not one kind of property. What we do on a canal lot in Florida Shores is different from what we do at an older home near Riverside Drive.
Norway Rats Along the Water
Canal banks and seawalls give Norway rats a place to burrow, and heavy rain pushes them toward garages and low crawl spaces.
Our approach: We inspect the canal bank and seawall, seal ground-level openings with hardware cloth, then trap until the activity stops.
Gaps in Skirting and Utility Hookups
Skirting on mobile and manufactured homes is often plastic or foam, which rats can chew through, especially around utility hookups.
Our approach: We check the full perimeter of the skirting, repair or replace weak sections with metal, and seal utility gaps.
Nesting in the Roofline and Crawl Space
Older homes near the river often have crawl spaces or roofline gaps that give both roof rats and Norway rats a way in.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and roofline together, seal what we find, and trap until the home is clear.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Edgewater response zone
Edgewater service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Edgewater has 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole city and the surrounding part of Volusia County. Call if you do not see yours.
3213232141
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Florida Shores · Edgewater Landing · River Edge Acres · Riverside Drive historic area · Old Osteen Road corridor · US Highway 1 corridor
Reviews from Edgewater customers
What Edgewater Customers Are Saying
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Florida Shores home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Edgewater, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Edgewater, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Edgewater, FL
Verified Edgewater rodent control FAQ
FAQs About Rodent Control in Edgewater
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.
Canal banks and seawalls give Norway rats a place to burrow, and the neighborhood’s history of flooding pushes them toward garages and low crawl spaces during heavy rain. We inspect the canal bank first and seal ground-level openings.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die in spaces you cannot reach, which causes a strong smell. Trapping and sealing the skirting works better.
In many parts of the city, yes. The 2022 flooding was historic for Edgewater, especially in low-lying areas like Florida Shores, and flooding pushes rats out of burrows and toward dry shelter in homes. If your property flooded, it is worth having the canal bank and crawl space checked.
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.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics, crawl spaces or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve New Smyrna Beach, Port Orange, South Daytona and Daytona Beach. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Edgewater?
Nearby Cities Served from Edgewater
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Edgewater
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Edgewater
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Edgewater dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Edgewater 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 Edgewater 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 EdgewaterEdgewater, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
