Your local Fort Lauderdale rodent control team

Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Fort Lauderdale, FL

Scratching in the attic or droppings on the dock? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Fort Lauderdale homes and businesses, from the historic bungalows of Victoria Park and Colee Hammock to the canal-front homes of Rio Vista and Coral Ridge. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.

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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 Fort Lauderdale.

Call (561) 562-7607

Why Fort Lauderdale

Why Fort Lauderdale Has a Year-Round Rat Problem

Fort Lauderdale has more than 165 miles of inland waterways, including the New River and a citywide canal network, which is why people call it the Venice of America. Warm weather all year, mature trees along the water, and a mix of century-old homes and high-rise condos mean rats never get a slow season here.

Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Fort Lauderdale. They travel along power lines and tree canopy in older neighborhoods like Victoria Park and Colee Hammock, then drop onto the roof and enter through soffit gaps, vents and roofline edges. Norway rats stay near the ground and water. We find them along seawalls and docks in Rio Vista, Coral Ridge, Seven Isles and Las Olas Isles, around dumpsters near Las Olas Boulevard and downtown, and in garages in newer construction further west.

Every canal-front lot, historic bungalow and beachside condo tower has rodents for a different reason, so we inspect each property as its own job rather than running one routine for the whole city.

Services available in Fort Lauderdale

Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Fort Lauderdale

Most Fort Lauderdale 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 canal-front rat removal for Fort Lauderdale homes, from 1920s bungalows in Colee Hammock to condos on the beach.Learn More → Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants, marinas and shops along Las Olas Boulevard and downtown.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, dock boxes 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 Fort Lauderdale homes.Learn More →

Warning signs

Signs of Rats and Mice in a Fort Lauderdale Home

Rodents move at night, so most Fort Lauderdale homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.

Running in the ceiling

Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.

Droppings in the garage or dock box

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.

Gnawed dock lines or boat cushions

On canal-front lots, rats coming off seawalls will chew rope, cushions and storage bins in the dock box before they ever reach the house.

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 Fort Lauderdale Home?

Roof rats cause most attic calls in Fort Lauderdale, Norway rats show 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 and trees near the house
Droppings: Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends

Norway Rat

Rattus norvegicus

Size: 3/4 to 1 pound
Tail: About as long as its head and body
Nests: Burrows under seawalls, docks, sheds and along canal banks
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 Fort Lauderdale starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.

Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
Garage door seals and exterior doors
Seawalls, docks, dock boxes and canal banks on waterfront lots
Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and dumpster areas
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.

Leptospirosis
Salmonellosis
Rat-bite fever
Hantavirus

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 Fort Lauderdale Rodent Inspection

We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how close the home is to a canal and how it was built, since a historic Colee Hammock bungalow and a Rio Vista canal home have very different weak spots.

Roof, attic and upper walls

Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
Trees and power lines touching the roof

Ground level, dock and yard

Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
Garage door corners and bottom seals
Seawalls, dock boxes and burrows along canal banks
Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
Dumpster areas and pet food storage
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 Fort Lauderdale 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 near canals and seawalls 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 Fort Lauderdale Homeowners

A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.

Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix: Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
Myth: Only older homes get rats: Fact: New construction near the water in Coral Ridge and Harbor Beach gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just an old 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 dock cat will take care of it: Fact: A cat may catch a few, but it does not reach attics or wall voids and does not close entry points along a seawall.
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 along a seawall or in 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 next dock, tree canopy 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
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
Rat burrows near a seawall or dock	Hard to seal safely near the water	Bait and exclusion suited to canal lots

Who we serve in Fort Lauderdale

Rodent Control for Fort Lauderdale Homes and Businesses

For homes

Residential Rodent Control in Fort Lauderdale

From historic bungalows in Victoria Park and Colee Hammock to canal-front homes in Rio Vista and Coral Ridge and high-rise condos near the beach, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, seawall, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.

Roofline and attic inspection

We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.

Rodent-proof sealing

Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.

Trapping inside the home

Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.

Cleanup and disinfecting

We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.

Historic bungalows
Canal-front homes
Beachfront condos
Rentals and vacation homes

Book a home inspection →

For businesses

Commercial Rodent Control in Fort Lauderdale

Restaurants and bars along Las Olas Boulevard and downtown, marinas near Port Everglades, and offices and retail across the city 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
Marinas
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 loading docks and marinas 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.

Discuss a commercial plan →

Landlords, condos and snowbirds

Rodent Control for Fort Lauderdale Rentals and Seasonal Homes

A large share of Fort Lauderdale is rentals, condos and seasonal homes left closed for part of the year. That changes how a rat problem shows up and how it should be handled.

Landlords and property managers

Written inspection and treatment reports you can share with tenants or an HOA
Service scheduled between tenants or during turnover
Sealing done to the same standard across every unit you manage
Advice on shared walls, dumpster areas and landscaping that attracts rodents

Seasonal and vacation homes

A home left closed for months gives rats time to nest undisturbed before anyone notices
We inspect and seal before you arrive for the season, not after
Traps are checked and reset on a schedule while you are away, not just once
Common for condos near the beach and canal homes used only part of the year

How Fort Lauderdale homes are built

Where Rats Get In, by Type of Fort Lauderdale Property

Fort Lauderdale has everything from 1920s bungalows to beachfront high-rises. The way a property is built and sited tells us where to look first.

Historic homes near downtown

Raised and pier-built homes in Victoria Park, Colee Hammock and Tarpon River give rats room to nest underneath
Older soffits and attic vents with no screens
Big trees close to the house give roof rats a bridge to the attic
Original wood windows and doors with worn weatherstripping

Canal-front homes and high-rises

Seawalls and canal banks in Rio Vista, Coral Ridge, Seven Isles and Las Olas Isles give Norway rats a place to burrow
Dock boxes, davits and boat storage areas
Beachfront condo towers in Central Beach, where rats travel utility chases and parking garages instead of trees
Pool decks and shared trash rooms in multi-unit buildings

Area by area

Rodent Problems Across Fort Lauderdale, Neighborhood by Neighborhood

Fort Lauderdale has more than 60 named neighborhoods. Here is what we usually check first in a few of them.

Victoria Park and Colee Hammock

Historic homes near downtown and Las Olas Boulevard, some with New River frontage. Rats nest in mature tree canopy and older attics. We seal soffits, vents and roof edges.

Rio Vista and Tarpon River

Canal-front homes with private docks along the New River. Norway rats burrow near seawalls and travel in on dock lines and boat gear.

Coral Ridge, Seven Isles and Las Olas Isles

Deep-water canal neighborhoods with private docks. Norway rats move along the seawalls between properties, so we check every gap at ground level, not just the house.

Downtown and Las Olas Boulevard

Restaurants, bars and offices with shared dumpsters and heavy foot traffic. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.

Central Beach and the barrier island

High-rise condos near the ocean. Rats here usually move through parking garages, trash rooms and utility chases rather than trees.

Edgewood and southwest Fort Lauderdale

Lower-lying blocks that saw serious flooding in the April 2023 storm. Heavy rain pushes ground-level rodents toward garages and sheds on higher ground.

Fort Lauderdale through the year

How Fort Lauderdale Weather Changes Rodent Activity

Fort Lauderdale has a tropical climate with a wet season from May through October and a dry season from November through April. Rats stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.

Wet season, May to October

Daily thunderstorms and canal levels rising push Norway rats out of burrows along seawalls and toward garages, sheds and dock boxes on higher ground.

Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.

Extreme rain events

On April 12 to 13, 2023, Fort Lauderdale recorded 25.91 inches of rain in a day, its wettest day on record, with the Edgewood area seeing severe flooding. Storms at that scale flood burrows citywide and push rodents into homes fast.

Tip: After major rain, check the garage, attic and dock box for new droppings.

Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)

Storm surge and heavy rain flood burrows near the canals and can damage soffits and roofs, giving rats a new way in. It is worth checking the roofline after any named storm.

Tip: Walk the property after a storm and look for fresh gaps.

Dry season, November to April

Cooler, drier nights send rats looking for a warm, dry attic. This is when many Fort Lauderdale homeowners first hear them overhead.

Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before the dry season starts.

Prevention

Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Fort Lauderdale Home

Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.

Yard, dock and garage

Trim branches away from the roof
Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
Keep seawalls, docks and dock boxes free of clutter
Store boat and fishing gear off the ground
Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Keep trash cans closed and away from the wall

Inside the home

Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
Look in the attic every few months for droppings
Call as soon as you notice a sign

Our approach

How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Fort Lauderdale

Fort Lauderdale is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic bungalow in Victoria Park is different from what we do at a canal-front home in Rio Vista.

Older homes near downtown

Roof Rats in Mature Tree Canopy

Historic bungalows in Victoria Park and Colee Hammock sit under mature oaks and ficus trees that give roof rats a direct path from the branches to the roofline.

Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic, seal soffit and vent gaps with hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.

Waterfront and canal properties

Norway Rats Along the Seawall

Canal-front lots in Rio Vista, Coral Ridge and Las Olas Isles give Norway rats a place to burrow along the seawall and a path onto docks and into dock boxes.

Our approach: We check the seawall, dock box and ground-level entry points, then bait and seal what we find.

Newer block homes and condos

Garage and Utility Gaps

Newer block homes and beachfront condo buildings still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and utility chases shared between units.

Our approach: We check the garage, utility rooms 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 Fort Lauderdale response zone

Fort Lauderdale service coverage

Is your ZIP on the route?

Fort Lauderdale spans dozens of ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Broward County. Call if you do not see yours.

333013330433305333063330833309333113331233315333163331733334

Areas we serve

Victoria Park · Colee Hammock · Tarpon River · Rio Vista · Coral Ridge · Seven Isles · Las Olas Isles · Sunrise Key · Downtown · Las Olas Boulevard · Central Beach · Edgewood

Check my address →

Reviews from Fort Lauderdale customers

Customer Reviews from Fort Lauderdale

4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews

★★★★★

“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Fort Lauderdale home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”

John D.Fort Lauderdale, 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.”

Sarah M.Fort Lauderdale, FL

Verified

★★★★★

“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”

Tom L.Fort Lauderdale, FL

Verified

Fort Lauderdale rodent control FAQ

Rat and Mouse Questions From Fort Lauderdale 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.

Norway rats burrow along seawalls and canal banks in neighborhoods like Rio Vista and Coral Ridge, then move onto docks and into dock boxes. We check the seawall and ground-level entry points, not just the house.

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.

In many low-lying areas, yes. Fort Lauderdale recorded 25.91 inches of rain on April 12 to 13, 2023, its wettest day on record, and neighborhoods like Edgewood saw serious flooding. Heavy rain like that floods burrows near canals and pushes rats toward higher, drier ground, including garages and sheds.

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. We work with landlords, property managers and owners of seasonal or vacation homes, including inspections and sealing timed around tenant turnover or before you arrive for the season.

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 Oakland Park, Plantation, Davie and Dania Beach. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.

Outside Fort Lauderdale?