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 Fort Myers rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Fort Myers, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Fort Myers homes and businesses, from the historic bungalows of Edison Park and the River District to the newer block homes of Gateway and South Fort Myers. 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 Fort Myers.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Fort Myers
Why Fort Myers Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Fort Myers sits along the Caloosahatchee River in Lee County, with a tropical monsoon climate that brings more than 57 inches of rain a year and heavy afternoon storms from June through September. Warm weather, royal palms and oak canopy along streets like McGregor Boulevard, and a mix of century-old homes and new construction mean rodents never get a slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Fort Myers. They travel along oaks, palms and power lines, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and tile edges. In older neighborhoods like Edison Park, Dean Park and the River District downtown, raised wood-frame homes also give them room to nest underneath the floor.
Norway rats stay low and near water. We find them along seawalls and canal banks near the Caloosahatchee, around dumpsters in commercial strips near Cleveland Avenue, and in garages in newer block-and-stucco homes across Gateway and South Fort Myers. Hurricane Ian’s storm surge in September 2022 also pushed rodents out of low-lying burrows and into homes across the area, and many roofs repaired after the storm still have gaps that need a second look.
Services available in Fort Myers
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Fort Myers
Most Fort Myers 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 crawl space rat removal for Fort Myers homes, from historic bungalows in Edison Park to new construction in Gateway.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlTailored plans for restaurants, offices and warehouses in the River District and along Cleveland Avenue.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalSafe trapping and removal for active infestations anywhere in Fort Myers, including waterfront and canal-front properties.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalLocating and removing dead rodents from attics, walls and crawl spaces before the smell sets in.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings and nesting material with full sanitation after an infestation is gone.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorFull-service extermination for roof rats, Norway rats and house mice, with long-term prevention built in.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionSealing entry points around vents, pipes and rooflines to stop rodents before they get in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalSafe removal and disinfection of droppings following CDC guidance to protect your family’s health.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingLong-term exclusion work using metal and hardware cloth so rodents cannot chew back in.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Fort Myers Home
Rodents move at night, so most Fort Myers 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.
Half-eaten fruit
Hollowed oranges, mangoes or grapefruit still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Fort Myers yards.
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 an appliance or pawing at a closet can mean rodents are moving nearby.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Fort Myers Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Fort Myers, Norway rats show up near the river, canals, dumpsters and garages, 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, palm 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, seawalls and 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 Myers 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
- Palm trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or 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, then give you a plan to keep new rodents out. If they return before your follow-up visit, we come back at no extra charge.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Fort Myers Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a century-old home near downtown and a 2015 block home in Gateway 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
- Oak limbs, palms and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under raised homes, and burrows along seawalls and canal banks
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
A rat can squeeze through a gap about 1/2 inch wide, and a mouse through about 1/4 inch.
Our process
How We Get Rats Out of Fort Myers 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. If activity returns before your scheduled follow-up, we come back at no extra cost.
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 Fort Myers’s heavy summer rain can be a concern.
Salmonella
Rodents contaminate food and countertops as they forage, which can cause food poisoning if surfaces are not cleaned.
Fire and water damage
Gnawed wiring and AC lines are a fire and leak risk, and chewed irrigation lines can waste water and damage landscaping.
Allergies and asthma
Dander, droppings and nesting material can trigger allergy and asthma symptoms, especially in children.
Health code risk for businesses
Restaurants and food service businesses near the River District can fail Lee County health inspections over rodent activity.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Fort Myers 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: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: New block homes in Gateway and South Fort Myers get rats too, usually through the garage or a roofline gap.
- 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 climate, 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 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 oaks, palms and canal banks.
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 under a raised home | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Fort Myers
Rodent Control for Fort Myers Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Fort Myers
From raised, century-old homes in Edison Park and the River District to block-and-stucco homes in Gateway and South Fort Myers, each property has its own weak spots. We check the roofline, attic, crawl space, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Comprehensive inspections for homes
We check the roofline, attic, garage and yard to find how rodents are getting in.
Emergency rodent removal
Same-week and emergency visits for active infestations in Fort Myers homes.
Rodent-proofing solutions
We seal common entry points with metal and hardware cloth, not foam or steel wool.
Safe cleanup of droppings
Cleanup follows CDC guidance to protect your family and pets.
- Protects your family’s health from rodent-borne disease.
- Prevents property damage from gnawing rodents.
- Ensures peace of mind with a rodent-free home.
Commercial Rodent Control in Fort Myers
Commercial districts along the River District, downtown and Cleveland Avenue depend on staying rodent-free to pass Lee County health inspections and protect their reputation. We build plans around your hours so service does not disrupt business.
- Restaurants
- Retail Stores
- Office Buildings
- Warehouses
- Healthcare Facilities
Tailored pest management plans
Custom plans that account for your hours, storage areas and delivery schedule.
Regular inspections and monitoring
Scheduled checks catch new activity before it becomes a health code issue.
Compliance with health regulations
Documentation and service records ready for a Lee County health inspection.
Rapid response to emergencies
We are available 24/7 to address urgent rodent issues with minimal downtime.
How Fort Myers homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Fort Myers Home
Fort Myers has homes from every decade since the late 1800s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Edison Park, Dean Park and the River District
- Raised wood-frame homes near downtown sit on piers, so rats nest under the floor
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Mature oaks and the royal palms along McGregor Boulevard that touch rooflines
- Original single-pane windows and door gaps
Newer homes: Gateway, South Fort Myers and Verandah
- Block-and-stucco homes built after 2000 in Gateway and South Fort Myers
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Canal banks and preserve areas that back up to golf communities like Verandah
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Fort Myers, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Fort Myers covers everything from the historic River District to newer suburbs east of I-75. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Downtown River District and Edison Park
Historic homes built in the early to mid 1900s along and near McGregor Boulevard often sit on piers, giving roof rats access underneath the floor and into old attic vents.
Dean Park and Dunbar
These established neighborhoods near downtown have mature tree canopy that gives roof rats a direct path from the yard to the roof.
Waterfront and canal neighborhoods
Homes along the Caloosahatchee River and in canal communities see more Norway rat activity near seawalls and docks, especially after heavy rain.
Gateway and South Fort Myers
Newer block homes near Daniels Parkway and Colonial Boulevard still get rats through garage doors, AC line gaps and open tile roof edges.
Fort Myers through the year
How Fort Myers Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Fort Myers has a tropical monsoon climate with heavy afternoon storms in summer and mild winters that never really slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood low ground and canal banks near the Caloosahatchee, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian’s storm surge in September 2022 flooded low-lying areas of Fort Myers and pushed rodents out of ground burrows and into homes. Roofs repaired after storm damage sometimes still have gaps at the flashing or vents that give rats a way in.
Tip: If your roof had storm repairs, have the roofline checked for gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is often when Fort Myers homeowners first hear scratching overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather arrives.
Citrus and mango season
Backyard oranges, mangoes and grapefruit in Fort Myers yards are an easy meal for roof rats and a reason they stay close to a property year after year.
Tip: Pick up fallen fruit daily during harvest season.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Fort Myers Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges, mangoes and avocados daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the 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
- Check 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 Myers
Fort Myers is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic home near downtown is different from what we do at a canal-front house or a new block home in Gateway.
Nesting Under the Floor
These early to mid-1900s homes are often raised on piers, which gives roof rats room to nest underneath the floor and enter through foundation vents and old attic vents.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and foundation vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Docks
Homes along the Caloosahatchee and in canal neighborhoods see Norway rats burrowing near seawalls, docks and landscaping, especially after summer rain raises the water table.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Block-and-stucco homes built after 2000 still get rats through garage door corners, AC line openings and open tile roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Fort Myers response zone
Fort Myers service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served ZIP codes in Fort Myers. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
3390133905339073390833912339133391633919
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown River District · Edison Park · Dean Park · Dunbar · McGregor Boulevard corridor · Gateway · South Fort Myers · Iona
Reviews from Fort Myers customers
Customer Reviews from Fort Myers
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap in our attic vent within minutes and had it sealed the same visit. Haven’t heard a thing since.”
RC
Rick C.Fort Myers, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We have a home on the canal and kept hearing noises near the seawall. They explained exactly what was going on and took care of it fast.”
MA
Maria A.Fort Myers, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and honest about what our older home near downtown actually needed. Appreciated the follow-up visit to make sure it worked.”
DW
Dan W.Fort Myers, FL
Verified Fort Myers rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Fort Myers 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 home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many homes near downtown, Edison Park and Dean Park sit on piers with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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.
In many areas, yes. Storm surge in September 2022 flooded ground burrows near the river and canals and pushed rodents toward homes, and wind damage opened new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline 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 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 North Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Lehigh Acres and Estero. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Fort Myers
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Fort Myers
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Fort Myers dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Fort Myers 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 Fort Myers 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 Fort MyersFort Myers, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
