Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. In single-family homes this is usually a roof rat in the attic.
Your local Fontainebleau rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Fontainebleau, FL
Scratching in a shared attic or droppings in the trash corral? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Fontainebleau homes, condos and businesses, from the 1970s garden apartments off West Flagler Street to the single-family blocks built around the neighborhood’s old golf courses. 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 Fontainebleau.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Fontainebleau
Why Fontainebleau Has Year-Round Rodent Pressure
Fontainebleau is one of the most densely built communities in Miami-Dade County, with about 59,870 residents packed into just 4.15 square miles, roughly 15,130 people per square mile. That much housing built close together, much of it condos, garden apartments and townhomes from the 1970s, gives rats and mice a lot of shared walls, attics and breezeways to move through.
The neighborhood was developed in the 1970s by Trafalgar Developers as Fontainebleau Park, built around two 18-hole golf courses that have since closed. Single-family homes from that era sit on block foundations with the same roofline gaps and AC line penetrations we see across South Florida. Roof rats travel the tree canopy and power lines into these attics, while mice work their way into kitchens through gaps as small as a pencil.
In the garden apartment and condo complexes near West Flagler Street and Southwest 8th Street, the entry points are different. Shared attics above a row of units, gaps around dumpster corrals, and vents on parking garages give rodents a way in that a single-family inspection would miss. We check both kinds of Fontainebleau property differently because they fail in different places.
Services available in Fontainebleau
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Fontainebleau
Most Fontainebleau 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, garage and unit inspections for Fontainebleau homes, condos and garden apartments built since the 1970s.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along West Flagler Street and Southwest 8th Street.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats and mice use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a shared 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 landscaping advice for Fontainebleau homes and units.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Fontainebleau Home
Rodents move at night, so most Fontainebleau residents find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in a kitchen cabinet
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch, often behind the stove or under the sink, 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.
Gnaw marks near the dumpster corral
Chewed gaps at the base of trash enclosures and garden apartment utility doors are a common Fontainebleau entry point for Norway rats.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and shared attic hatches.
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
Rats and Mice We Remove in Fontainebleau
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Fontainebleau’s single-family sections, Norway rats show up around dumpster corrals and ground-level utility rooms in the garden apartment complexes, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in both. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, dumpster corrals and utility rooms
- 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 Fontainebleau 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, breezeways and shared utility closets
- Foundation and slab edges
- Dumpster corrals, trash chutes and recycling areas
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and bird seed
- 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, which condo boards often require
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Fontainebleau Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the dumpster corral. What we check depends on whether the home is a single-family house or part of a condo or garden apartment building.
Single-family homes and townhomes
- Soffit and fascia gaps on the 1970s and 1980s block homes built around the old golf courses
- Roof vents, gable vents and roof edges
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Hedges, ficus trees and landscaping touching the roofline
- Garage doors and rear utility rooms
Condos, garden apartments and common areas
- Shared attic space above a row of units
- Breezeway soffits and stairwell utility closets
- Dumpster corrals, trash chutes and recycling rooms
- Parking garage vents and mechanical rooms
- Laundry room plumbing chases
- Gaps around individual unit AC line sets
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 Fontainebleau 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 or common areas 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 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 shared walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Fontainebleau Residents
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, worse in a shared condo attic. We trap inside instead.
- Myth: Only older buildings get rats
- Fact: Newer townhomes near the old golf course footprint get them too. Rats come for shelter, warmth and food, not just building age.
- 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 or a neighboring unit. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One mouse in the kitchen is no big deal
- Fact: Mice breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few 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 a kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in an attic or a shared building 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 same dumpster corral or roofline the next week.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once in a unit | 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 in a wall | Hard to locate in shared walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Activity near a dumpster corral | Property-wide problem, not a single unit fix | Coordinated service with the property manager |
Who we serve in Fontainebleau
Rodent Control for Fontainebleau Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Fontainebleau
From single-family homes built around the old Fontainebleau Park golf courses to condos and garden apartments near West Flagler Street, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, shared breezeways, 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 shared 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
- Condos
- Garden apartments
- Townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Fontainebleau
Shops and restaurants along West Flagler Street and Southwest 8th Street, plus offices near the FIU Engineering Center, deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpster corrals. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for. Condo and HOA boards in Fontainebleau also need service coordinated for common areas, not just individual units.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Condo and HOA common areas
- 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, board or inspector.
Door and dumpster corral sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at trash enclosures closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your property less attractive to rats.
How Fontainebleau was built
Housing in Fontainebleau: Where Rats and Mice Get In
Fontainebleau was developed in the 1970s by Trafalgar Developers as Fontainebleau Park, built around two 18-hole golf courses that have since closed. The mix of condos, garden apartments, single-family homes, garden homes and townhomes from that era means entry points vary block to block.
1970s and 1980s garden apartments, condos and townhomes
- Shared attic runs above a whole row of units, so one gap lets rats reach several homes
- Breezeway soffits and stairwell utility closets with no screening
- Dumpster corrals and trash chutes that draw Norway rats at ground level
- Laundry room plumbing chases shared by multiple units
- Aging window and door weatherstripping
Single-family homes on the old golf course footprint
- Block-and-stucco construction typical of Miami-Dade’s 1970s subdivisions
- Roof edges and vents that were never screened when the home was built
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage doors and rear utility room seals
- Mature landscaping planted decades ago now touching the roofline
Area by area
Landmarks and Notable Places in Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau does not have its own downtown, but a few places anchor the community and shape where we look for rodent activity nearby.
FIU Engineering Center
Located at 10555 West Flagler Street, this Florida International University building anchors the eastern edge of the neighborhood. Nearby offices and retail see the same rodent pressure as the rest of the corridor.
Lennar Corporation Headquarters
One of the largest homebuilders in the country is headquartered in Fontainebleau, part of the office and business presence along the neighborhood’s commercial corridors.
The Old Fontainebleau Park Golf Courses
The two 18-hole golf courses that Trafalgar Developers built the neighborhood around in the 1970s have since closed. The subdivisions that ring the former fairways are some of the oldest housing stock we service in Fontainebleau.
Fontainebleau through the year
How Seasons Affect Rodent Activity in Fontainebleau
Miami-Dade County has a tropical climate with hot, wet summers and short, mild, dry winters. Rodents stay active all year here, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Heavy afternoon storms from roughly May through October flood low-lying yards and drainage areas near the old golf course footprint, pushing Norway rats toward dumpster corrals, garages and ground-floor units.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind and storm damage can open new gaps in soffits and roof edges on the neighborhood’s 1970s and 1980s buildings. Rodents move into these openings quickly once they are exposed.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check shared attic vents.
Mild, dry winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats and mice look for warm, dry attics and shared wall voids. This is when many Fontainebleau residents first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Year-round with 59,870 neighbors nearby
At about 15,130 people per square mile, Fontainebleau is one of the more densely built communities in Miami-Dade County. That density means rodents can move between properties easily, so sealing your own entry points matters even if a neighbor has not.
Tip: If a neighboring unit has an active infestation, ask your property manager about a building-wide inspection.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Fontainebleau Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dumpster and garage
- Trim hedges and tree branches away from the roofline
- Keep dumpster corral lids and gates closed
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Report gaps at trash enclosures to your property manager or HOA
- Store items off the garage floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home or unit
- 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 to the corral at night and keep lids closed
- Check shared attic hatches every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Fontainebleau
Fontainebleau is not one kind of property. What we do at a 1970s garden apartment is different from what we do at a single-family home on the old golf course footprint.
Shared Attics and Breezeway Gaps
Garden apartment buildings from Fontainebleau’s original 1970s development often share one attic space above several units, and breezeway soffits are rarely screened.
Our approach: We inspect the shared attic and breezeway soffits, seal every gap with metal and hardware cloth, then trap along the paths rodents are using between units.
Roofline and AC Line Gaps on Older Block Homes
Block-and-stucco single-family homes built in the 1970s and 1980s often have roof edges and AC line penetrations that were never sealed against rodents.
Our approach: We check the roofline and every AC and utility penetration first, then seal what we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Dumpster Corrals and Ground-Floor Units
Norway rats gather around dumpster corrals and trash chutes, then move into ground-floor units through gaps at slab edges and utility doors.
Our approach: We inspect the corral and ground-floor perimeter, then bait and close off the entry points we find, coordinating with the property manager where needed.
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, shared walls or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Fontainebleau response zone
Fontainebleau service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Fontainebleau spans 4 ZIP codes. We cover all of them, plus the neighboring communities. Call if you do not see yours.
33126331443317233174
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Fontainebleau · West Flagler Street corridor · Southwest 8th Street · Westchester · Sweetwater · Doral · Coral Terrace
Reviews from Fontainebleau customers
Customer Reviews from Fontainebleau
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Fontainebleau condo. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Fontainebleau, 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.Fontainebleau, 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.Fontainebleau, FL
Verified Fontainebleau rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Fontainebleau Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most units need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. Buildings with a shared attic sometimes need work in more than one unit. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many of these buildings were built in the 1970s under Trafalgar Developers as part of Fontainebleau Park, and the original construction gaps around plumbing chases and cabinets have widened over the decades. We seal those openings with metal and hardware cloth.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, worse in a shared attic. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
Often yes, for shared attics, breezeways and dumpster corrals. We can provide a written scope and schedule for your board or property manager to approve before we start common-area work.
Rats are usually active at night and leave droppings about 1/2 inch long. If you are not sure what you are hearing, 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 Westchester, Sweetwater, Doral and Coral Terrace. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Fontainebleau
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Fontainebleau
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Fontainebleau dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Fontainebleau 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 Fontainebleau 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 FontainebleauFontainebleau, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
