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 Ensley rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Ensley, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses in Ensley, from the block homes off Nine Mile Road to the shops along the Pensacola Boulevard corridor. 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 Ensley.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Ensley
Why Ensley Has a Rat Problem All Year
Ensley is an unincorporated community of about 23,800 people in Escambia County, just northwest of Pensacola. Interstate 10, US Highway 90 Alt and US Highway 29 all run through it, which makes Ensley a transportation corridor for the whole Pensacola area, and also a place where rodents move in along freight routes, drainage ditches and tree lines.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Ensley. They travel along oaks, power lines and fence lines, then get into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents. Norway rats stay lower, near dumpsters, storage buildings and drainage ditches along the Pensacola Boulevard and North Palafox Street business corridor, where the county’s Ensley Redevelopment District mixes older commercial buildings with homes.
Housing in Ensley is a mix of established single-family homes near Nine Mile Road and Brownsville, plus rental houses and small apartment buildings closer to the commercial strip. Just under half of Ensley households rent rather than own, so we see rodent calls from both homeowners and tenants, and from landlords who are responsible for pest control under Florida law.
Services available in Ensley
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Ensley
Most Ensley 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 garage rat removal for Ensley homes, from the older streets near Brownsville to newer block homes off Nine Mile Road.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along Pensacola Boulevard and North Palafox Street.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, pipe 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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Ensley homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Ensley Home
Rodents move at night, so most Ensley 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.
Chewed bags of feed or bird seed
Torn bags of dog food, chicken feed or bird seed in a garage or shed are a common Ensley sign, since several yards keep animals or feeders.
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 Ensley Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Ensley, Norway rats show up near dumpsters, storage buildings and drainage ditches along the commercial corridor, 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, trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, woodpiles and drainage ditches
- 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 Ensley 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
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and chicken feed
- 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 Ensley Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built and how close it sits to the Pensacola Boulevard commercial corridor.
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
- Tree branches and power lines touching the roof
- Gaps where additions meet the original roofline
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Sheds, chicken coops, woodpiles and storage areas
- Drainage ditches and culverts near I-10 and Nine Mile Road
- Dumpster pads and loading areas along commercial lots
- Pet food, bird feeders and open trash cans
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 Ensley 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 in drainage ditches 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 water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Ensley 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 near the commercial strip get rats
- Fact: Newer block homes off Nine Mile Road get rats too. Rats come for shelter, food and water, not just an older building.
- 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 a drainage ditch 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, ditches and the commercial corridor.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats at a rental property | Tenant may not have access or tools | Written report the owner or manager can use |
Who we serve in Ensley
Rodent Control for Ensley Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Ensley
From established homes near Brownsville and Nine Mile Road to newer block homes on the outer edges of Ensley, we check the roofline, attic, 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.
- Single-family homes
- Rental houses
- Small apartment buildings
- Mobile and manufactured homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Ensley
Shops, offices and small warehouses along Pensacola Boulevard, North Palafox Street and near the I-10 interchange 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
- Warehouses
- 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.
Renters and landlords
Rodent Control for Ensley Rental Properties
Just under half of Ensley households rent rather than own, so we handle rodent calls from tenants and landlords on a regular basis. Florida law and a normal lease both matter here.
What Florida law says
- Florida Statute 83.51 requires the landlord to handle extermination of rats, mice, roaches, ants, wood-destroying organisms and bedbugs in a multi-family rental unit
- For a single-family home or duplex, the lease can put pest control on either the landlord or the tenant, so check the written lease
- If treatment means the tenant has to leave, the law allows up to 4 days with 7 days’ written notice, and rent is reduced for that time
- A tenant who thinks the landlord is not meeting this duty can send written notice under Florida’s landlord-tenant statute
How we work with rentals
- Written inspection report the landlord or property manager can keep on file
- Scheduling that works around a tenant who is home during the day or at work
- Sealing done with metal and hardware cloth, which holds up between tenants
- Follow-up visits so a landlord is not fielding repeat calls about the same unit
- Service for single rental houses, duplexes and small multi-family buildings
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Ensley
Ensley is not one kind of property. What we do at a commercial building on Pensacola Boulevard is different from what we do at a block home off Nine Mile Road.
Norway Rats Near Dumpsters and Older Buildings
The Ensley Redevelopment District mixes older commercial buildings with shared dumpsters and drainage areas, which draws ground-level Norway rats.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster pad and building foundation, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Roofline and Garage Gaps
Newer block homes in this part of Ensley still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof vents.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Rodents Moving in Along the Interstate
Ensley sits along I-10, US 90 Alt and US 29, a route the county itself describes as a transportation corridor. Rodents travel along the tree lines, drainage ditches and truck yards near these roads.
Our approach: We check fence lines, ditches and storage areas closest to the highway, then seal the home or building at those approach points first.
Ensley through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Ensley
Ensley sits in the Florida Panhandle, which has seen 9 major hurricanes since 1975. Rodents stay active year-round here, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood drainage ditches and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and the commercial corridor.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Sally flooded parts of Escambia County in September 2020 and damaged rooflines across the area. Storm surge and flooding push rats out of ditches and burrows and into homes, and damaged soffits give them a way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Cooler winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Ensley homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Backyard chickens and feed storage
Ensley has more small acreage and backyard poultry than the closer-in Pensacola neighborhoods. Open feed bins are an easy meal for rats and mice.
Tip: Store feed in metal cans with tight lids, not the original paper bag.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Ensley Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, shed and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Keep chicken feed, dog food and bird seed in metal or hard plastic bins
- Keep sheds, woodpiles and storage areas off the ground where possible
- Clear brush along fence lines and drainage ditches
- Store boxes and bins off the garage floor
- 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
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
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Ensley, Corridor by Corridor
Ensley is a mix of established residential streets and a busy commercial corridor. Here is what we usually check first in each part of it.
Around Ensley Elementary and Brownsville
Older single-family streets near the school and the Brownsville area. Mature trees give roof rats a path onto the roof, and sheds and fences give ground rodents cover.
Pensacola Boulevard and N. Palafox Street
The commercial spine of the Ensley Redevelopment District. Shared dumpsters and older storefronts mean Norway rats are more common here than in the surrounding homes.
Near I-10 and Nine Mile Road
Ensley functions as a transportation corridor for the Pensacola area, with I-10, US 90 Alt and US 29 all passing through. Ditches, fence lines and truck yards near these roads give rodents cover close to nearby homes.
Primary Ensley response zone
Ensley service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Ensley is served by ZIP code 32534. We also cover the rest of Escambia County and the greater Pensacola area. Call if you are not sure your address is on the route.
32534
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Ensley · Brownsville · Nine Mile Road corridor · Pensacola Boulevard / N. Palafox Street corridor · Ensley Redevelopment District
Ensley rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Ensley 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Under Florida Statute 83.51, a landlord is required to handle extermination of rats and mice in a multi-family rental unit. For a single-family home or duplex, the written lease decides who is responsible, so tenants and owners should check the lease first.
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.
It can. The Florida Panhandle has had 9 major hurricanes since 1975, including Hurricane Sally, which flooded parts of Escambia County in September 2020. Flooding and wind damage push rats out of ditches and burrows and can open new gaps in roofs and soffits.
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 Brent, Bellview, West Pensacola and Ferry Pass. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Ensley
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Ensley
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Ensley dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Ensley 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 Ensley 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 EnsleyEnsley, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
