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 Goldenrod rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Goldenrod, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Goldenrod homes and businesses, from older ranch homes near Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue to the apartments and offices near Full Sail University and University Boulevard. 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 Goldenrod.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Goldenrod
Why Goldenrod Homes Get Rats and Mice
Goldenrod is an unincorporated community that straddles the Orange and Seminole county line northeast of downtown Orlando. Mild winters, dense tree cover along the Econlockhatchee River corridor, and a mix of older ranch homes and newer apartments near Full Sail University give rodents plenty of ways in, all year long.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Goldenrod. They move through oak canopy and power lines along Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue, then drop onto rooflines and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. In the older ranch and bungalow homes off Goldenrod Road, low rooflines and aging soffits give them an easy way into the attic.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and water. We find them along the Little Econ Greenway and the banks of the Econlockhatchee River, in landscaping beds, and in garages and dumpster areas near the apartments, offices and shops along State Road 436 and University Boulevard. Every part of Goldenrod has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Goldenrod
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Goldenrod
Most Goldenrod 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 Goldenrod homes, from ranch houses off Goldenrod Road to newer construction near University Boulevard.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for offices, shops and restaurants along Aloma Avenue and State Road 436.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, soffit sealing and tree trimming advice for Goldenrod homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Goldenrod Home
Rodents move at night, so most Goldenrod 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 citrus or fallen fruit near the base of a tree is a classic roof rat sign in Goldenrod 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 appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Goldenrod Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Goldenrod, Norway rats show up near the Econlockhatchee River, the Little Econ Greenway and dumpster areas, 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 along the greenway
- 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 Goldenrod 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 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 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 a Goldenrod 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 an older ranch home and a newer apartment building 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
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches 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 near ditches and the greenway
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Dumpster and loading areas at apartments and shops
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 Goldenrod 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 after heavy rain along the greenway 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 Goldenrod 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, messy homes get rats
- Fact: Newer apartments near University Boulevard get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fallen fruit, not just trash.
- 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 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 and the greenway.
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 Goldenrod
Rodent Control for Goldenrod Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Goldenrod
From older ranch and bungalow homes off Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue to newer construction and apartments near Full Sail University, each Goldenrod home has its own weak spots. We look at 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.
- Ranch and bungalow homes
- Newer block homes
- Apartments and condos
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Goldenrod
Shops and offices along Aloma Avenue and State Road 436, plus the businesses and student housing around Full Sail University, deal with daily deliveries 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
- Apartment communities
- 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.
How Goldenrod homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Goldenrod Home
Goldenrod has homes built from the 1950s through recent construction. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older ranch and bungalow homes
- Ranch and bungalow homes off Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue with aging soffits and low rooflines
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and worn sill boards
- Old roof vents with no screens
- Mature oaks that touch the roof
- Sheds and detached garages with worn door seals
Newer homes, apartments and condos
- Block-and-stucco homes and townhomes built in more recent years
- Apartment and condo buildings near Full Sail University and University Boulevard
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through exterior walls
- Garage door corners and shared dumpster enclosures
- Landscaping beds and mulch against the foundation
Area by area
Local Landmarks and Areas We Cover Near Goldenrod
Goldenrod is a small community, but it covers a lot of different property types. Here is what we usually check first near each landmark.
Goldenrod Park and Recreation Center
The county park on N Goldenrod Road has open fields, a playground and picnic areas with mature tree cover, all of which can draw rodents toward nearby homes.
Little Econ Greenway and the Econlockhatchee River
Homes closest to the greenway trail and riverbank see more Norway rat activity, especially after heavy rain raises the water table.
Full Sail University and University Boulevard
Apartments, student housing and offices near campus see steady tenant turnover, which makes early sealing and scheduled service worthwhile.
Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue corridor
Older ranch homes along these two main roads have aging soffits and roof vents that are usually the first thing we check.
State Road 436 (Semoran Boulevard) corridor
Retail centers and offices along 436 deal with shared dumpsters and loading docks, which need scheduled commercial service.
Orange and Seminole county line
Because Goldenrod sits across two counties, we check permitting and service details for both sides before starting exclusion work.
Goldenrod through the year
How Central Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Goldenrod
Goldenrod has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The weather still changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels along the Econlockhatchee River and the greenway, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024 both brought heavy flooding to Central Florida waterways. Rising water near the greenway and river pushes rats out of burrows and toward homes, and storm damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Goldenrod homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruiting tree season
Backyard citrus and fruit trees are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Goldenrod Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the space near sheds and fences free of clutter
- Store items 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
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Goldenrod
Goldenrod is not one kind of property. What we do at an older ranch home off Goldenrod Road is different from what we do at an apartment building near Full Sail University.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Ranch and bungalow homes built decades ago often have worn soffits, unscreened roof vents and low rooflines that give roof rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near the Econlockhatchee River
Homes and properties closest to the Little Econ Greenway and the river see more ground-level rat activity, especially after heavy summer rain.
Our approach: We inspect the yard, sheds and foundation line, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Turnover, Dumpsters and Shared Walls
Apartment communities and businesses near campus deal with frequent tenant turnover and shared dumpster areas that attract Norway rats.
Our approach: We set up scheduled service with written visit logs and seal shared entry points at dumpster pads and loading areas.
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 Goldenrod response zone
Goldenrod service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Goldenrod sits across two ZIP codes and two counties. We cover both sides plus the surrounding area. Call if you do not see yours.
3273332792
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Goldenrod Road corridor · Aloma Avenue · Full Sail University area · University Boulevard · Little Econ Greenway · State Road 436 (Semoran Boulevard)
Reviews from Goldenrod customers
Customer Reviews from Goldenrod
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where the rats were getting into our attic and sealed it up the same week. No more noise at night.”
RM
Rachel M.Goldenrod, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They explained everything before starting and checked back until the traps came up empty. Very professional team.”
DP
David P.Goldenrod, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We manage a small office near 436 and they set up a regular schedule with visit logs. Easy to work with.”
KT
Karen T.Goldenrod, FL
Verified Goldenrod rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Goldenrod 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 ranch and bungalow homes off Goldenrod Road and Aloma Avenue have aging soffits, unscreened roof vents and low rooflines under mature trees. These give roof rats an easy way in. 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.
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. Heavy rain and storms like Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Milton in 2024 raised water levels along the river and the Little Econ Greenway, which pushes ground-level rats toward higher, drier ground, including homes and garages.
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 Winter Park, Casselberry, Azalea Park and Orlando. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Goldenrod
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Goldenrod
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Goldenrod dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Goldenrod 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 Goldenrod 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 GoldenrodGoldenrod, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
