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 Hollywood rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Hollywood, FL
Hearing scratching in the ceiling or finding droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Hollywood homes and businesses, from the canal-front houses of Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills to the beachfront condos along the Broadwalk and the newer block homes west of I-95. 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 Hollywood.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Hollywood
Why Hollywood Has Rats Near Its Canals and Beaches
Hollywood was founded in 1921 by Joseph Young and sits on the Atlantic coast in Broward County, with about 5 to 6 miles of beach and a network of canals that lead to two yacht basins and the Intracoastal Waterway. That mix of water, older neighborhoods and beachfront high-rises gives rats and mice more than one way into a Hollywood property.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Hollywood. They travel along power lines, coconut palms and fruit trees, then drop onto roofs and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and tile edges. In older sections like Hollywood Lakes, Emerald Hills and Liberia, mid-century homes with original soffits and attic vents give them easy openings.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and to water. We find them along the finger canals in Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills, near seawalls and docks, around dumpsters behind restaurants on the Broadwalk and in Downtown Hollywood, and in garages in the newer block homes west of I-95 near the Pembroke Pines line. Beachfront condo buildings bring their own issue: units left empty between renters or seasonal owners give rats and mice a quiet place to nest undisturbed.
Services available in Hollywood
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Hollywood
Most Hollywood 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 Hollywood homes, from mid-century houses in Hollywood Lakes to newer construction west of I-95.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops on the Broadwalk and in Downtown Hollywood.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, ceiling or condo unit? 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, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Hollywood homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Hollywood Home
Rodents move at night, so most Hollywood 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 or coconuts
Hollowed coconuts, mangoes or citrus still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in Hollywood 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 Hollywood Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Hollywood, Norway rats show up near canals, seawalls, 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, rubbish 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 Hollywood 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 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 Hollywood 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 1950s house in Hollywood Lakes and a beachfront condo have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including original vents 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
- Coconut palms, ficus trees and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, canal banks and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, dock pilings and canal banks in Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit and coconut trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment, screen enclosures and condo trash rooms
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 Hollywood 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. Canal banks and 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 walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Hollywood 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: Newer block homes west of I-95 and beachfront condos get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just old construction.
- 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: An empty condo unit cannot have a rodent problem
- Fact: Vacant beachfront units are often quieter and less disturbed, which makes them an easy place for rats and mice to nest undetected.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or along a canal 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 palms, canal banks and neighboring properties.
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 or a condo unit | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats along a canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and seal | Bait stations and ground-level exclusion |
Who we serve in Hollywood
Rodent Control for Hollywood Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Hollywood
From mid-century homes in Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills to newer block-and-stucco houses west of I-95 and condos along the beach, each Hollywood property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, canal bank 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.
- Canal-front homes
- Beachfront condos
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and vacation units
Commercial Rodent Control in Hollywood
Restaurants and shops along the Broadwalk and in Downtown Hollywood near Young Circle 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
- Hotels and resorts
- Retail stores
- Condo associations
- 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 loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and trash rooms 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 Hollywood properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Hollywood Property
Hollywood has homes from the 1920s through today, plus beachfront high-rises. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Hollywood Lakes, Emerald Hills and Liberia
- Mid-century homes with original soffit vents and roof edges that have widened with age
- Canal-front lots with seawalls and dock areas where Norway rats burrow
- Mature ficus and oak trees that touch the roofline
- Older garages with worn door seals
- Coconut palms dropping fruit that draws roof rats
Newer homes and beachfront condos
- Block-and-stucco homes west of I-95 near the Pembroke Pines line
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Beachfront condo trash rooms, parking garages and vacant units
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Hollywood, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Hollywood covers beach, canal-front and inland neighborhoods that are very different from each other. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Hollywood Beach and the Broadwalk
High-rise condos and beachfront hotels near the 2.5-mile Broadwalk. We check trash rooms, parking garages and vacant seasonal units.
Downtown Hollywood and Young Circle
Restaurants, bars and shops in older buildings with shared walls. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills
Canal-front homes with seawalls and docks. Norway rats burrow along the banks, and roof rats use the mature trees to reach the attic.
Liberia and historic Hollywood
Some of the city’s oldest housing stock, with original vents and soffits that give rodents easy openings.
West Hollywood, near Pembroke Pines and Miramar
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions. Roof edges, AC line gaps and screen enclosures are the usual entry points.
Along the Intracoastal and yacht basins
Homes and docks near the 2 historic yacht basins built off the Intracoastal Waterway. Norway rats gather near seawalls and dumpster areas at marinas.
Hollywood through the year
How the Season Changes Rodent Activity in Hollywood
Hollywood gets roughly 65 inches of rain a year with a wet season and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the season and the tourist calendar both change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Heavy afternoon rain from June to October floods low yards and canal banks, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and screened patios.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused significant damage and power outages across Hollywood. Storms like it push rats out of canal burrows and into homes, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Winter tourist and snowbird season
From December through April, seasonal residents and vacation renters fill Hollywood Beach condos and Downtown Hollywood short-term rentals. Units left vacant between guests, and homes with owners away for the summer, are the ones most likely to get an undetected rodent problem.
Tip: Ask a property manager or neighbor to check on a vacant unit or home.
Coconut and mango season
Backyard coconuts, mangoes and citrus are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house through late summer.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear fallen coconuts from the yard.
Prevention
Keeping Rats and Mice Out of Your Hollywood Property
A few habits make a real difference between rodent seasons.
Outside the home
- Trim palm fronds and tree branches back from the roofline
- Pick up fallen coconuts, mangoes and citrus
- Keep canal banks and seawalls clear of brush and clutter
- Seal gaps around AC lines, dryer vents and pipes
- Store garbage in cans with tight lids
- Check and fix worn garage door 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
- Ask someone to check a vacant home or condo unit while you are away
- 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 Hollywood
Hollywood is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home in Emerald Hills is different from what we do at a beachfront condo on the Broadwalk.
Original Vents and Aging Rooflines
Mid-century homes in these neighborhoods often still have their original soffit vents and roof edges, which have widened with age and give rats an easy way into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and soffits first, then reseal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Docks
Homes and marinas along Hollywood’s canals and yacht basins give Norway rats a steady source of water, shelter under docks, and access to burrow along seawalls.
Our approach: We check the seawall and dock area, then set bait stations and close off ground-level entry points we find.
Rodents in Vacant Units
Units left empty between renters, or owned by seasonal residents, give rats and mice a quiet place to nest without being disturbed, often near trash rooms and parking garages.
Our approach: We coordinate with property managers to inspect vacant units and common areas, then trap and seal entry points before the next occupant moves in.
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, condo trash rooms or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Hollywood response zone
Hollywood service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Hollywood spans several ZIP codes across Broward County. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city. Call if you do not see yours.
33004330093301933020330213302333024333123331433316
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Hollywood Beach · Downtown Hollywood · Hollywood Lakes · Emerald Hills · Liberia · Driftwood · Hillcrest · Beverly Park · West Lake · West Hollywood
Reviews from Hollywood customers
Customer Reviews from Hollywood
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near Hollywood Lakes and sealed it the same visit. Quick and professional.”
JD
James D.Hollywood, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We manage a condo building near the Broadwalk and had rats getting into a vacant unit. They handled the inspection and follow-up for the whole building.”
SM
Sarah M.Hollywood, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knowledgeable about the canal setup in our neighborhood and explained exactly what was drawing the rats in. Haven’t had an issue since.”
TL
Tom L.Hollywood, FL
Verified Hollywood rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Hollywood 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 prefer to stay close to the ground and to water. Canal banks, seawalls and dock areas in Hollywood Lakes and Emerald Hills give them cover, water and easy burrowing spots. We check the seawall and ground-level openings on any canal-front job.
Yes. Units left empty between renters or during the off season are often the quietest, most undisturbed places in a building, which makes them attractive to rats and mice. We work with property managers to inspect vacant units and common areas like trash rooms and parking garages.
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.
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 Hallandale Beach, Dania Beach, Pembroke Pines, Miramar and Aventura. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Hollywood
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Hollywood
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Hollywood dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Hollywood 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 Hollywood 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 HollywoodHollywood, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
