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 Homestead rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Homestead, FL
Scratching in the attic or rats getting into a packing shed near the fields? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Homestead homes, farms and businesses, from the historic downtown blocks rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew to the newer subdivisions near Keys Gate. 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 Homestead.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Homestead
Why Homestead Has a Rat Problem All Year
Homestead sits between Biscayne Bay and the Everglades, surrounded by farmland, nurseries and packing houses that never fully clear out. Add a tropical climate with almost no cold snaps, and rats and mice have shelter and food within reach of nearly every property in the city.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Homestead homes. They travel along fruit trees, fences and power lines, then get onto the roof and in through soffit gaps, roof vents and tile edges. Historic Downtown Homestead has a mix of older homes built before Hurricane Andrew rebuilt the city in the 1990s, and those homes often have original soffits and attic vents that were never upgraded.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground. We find them in canal banks, drainage ditches, agricultural fields and around dumpsters at packing houses and farm stands, then working their way into garages, sheds and crawl spaces on nearby properties. In newer subdivisions like Keys Gate, built to the stricter codes adopted after Andrew, rats still get in through garage door gaps and AC line openings. Every property here is different, so we inspect each one on its own.
Services available in Homestead
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Homestead
Most Homestead 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 yard rat removal for Homestead homes, from Historic Downtown to Keys Gate.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for packing houses, nurseries, farm stands and shops.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, tile roof edge sealing and yard advice for Homestead properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Homestead Home
Rodents move at night, so most Homestead 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 irrigation lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, AC insulation and drip irrigation lines around farms and yards. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten fruit
Hollowed avocados, mangoes or tomatoes still on the plant or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign around Homestead yards and fields.
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 Homestead Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and fruit tree calls in Homestead, Norway rats show up along canal banks, ditches and farm dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, fruit 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 along canal banks, ditches, sheds and farm debris
- 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 Homestead 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, irrigation pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and canal-facing or field-facing walls
- Fruit trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, chicken feed 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 Homestead Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank or field edge. What we check depends on how the home is built and what is next door, since a pre-Andrew home downtown and a farm-edge property have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including on homes built before the 1990s code updates
- 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
- Fruit trees and branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and irrigation openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Canal banks, drainage ditches and field-facing property lines
- Sheds, packing crates, mulch piles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, chicken coops 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 Homestead Properties
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 the field edge, 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 in canals and irrigated fields 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, AC or irrigation lines can cause leaks.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Homestead 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 farms and old homes get rats
- Fact: Newer homes near Keys Gate get rats too. They come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just fields or old buildings.
- 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 shed. 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 or along a canal bank 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 fields, canals and fruit trees.
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 irrigation 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 near canal banks or fields | Hard to seal a whole property line | Perimeter inspection and exclusion plan |
Who we serve in Homestead
Rodent Control for Homestead Homes and Farms
Residential Rodent Control in Homestead
From homes near Historic Downtown Homestead that predate Hurricane Andrew to newer construction near Keys Gate built under updated codes, each property 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.
- Pre-Andrew homes
- Newer subdivisions
- Homes near farmland
- Rentals and manufactured homes
Commercial and Agricultural Rodent Control in Homestead
Homestead is one of the largest winter growing areas in the country, and packing houses, nurseries and farm stands deal with rats and mice drawn to stored produce, feed and equipment. Restaurants and shops in town face the same daily deliveries and dumpster access other cities do. Florida businesses that handle food are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Packing houses
- Nurseries and farm stands
- Restaurants
- Retail and offices
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around harvest and 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.
Storage and feed advice
Simple changes to feed and produce storage that make a site less attractive to rats.
Rentals and property managers
Rodent Control for Homestead Rentals and Manufactured Homes
Homestead has a large share of rental homes, duplexes and manufactured home communities, especially close to the agricultural areas. Property managers have their own set of concerns.
What we bring for landlords
- Written inspection reports you can send to tenants or owners
- Sealing done with materials that hold up over multiple tenancies
- Scheduling that works around move-in and move-out dates
- Advice on shared walls and utility chases in duplexes
Common weak points in rentals
- Skirting gaps on manufactured and mobile homes
- Shared attics and utility runs in duplexes
- Storage sheds and carports used for overflow storage
- Older units near downtown with original vents and soffits
We can coordinate directly with a property manager or ownership group across multiple units.
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Homestead
Homestead is not one kind of property. What we do at a home built before Hurricane Andrew is different from what we do at a farm-edge property or a newer home near Keys Gate.
Original Soffits and Roof Vents
Homes built before the building code overhaul that followed Hurricane Andrew often still have their original soffits, roof vents and attic access, which give rats an easy way in.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic access points, seal gaps with hardware cloth and metal, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Rats Moving in From the Fields
Properties next to packing houses, nurseries and open fields draw rats looking for shelter and food, especially once fields are cleared after harvest.
Our approach: We inspect the field-facing side of the property, seal at ground level, and advise on trimming vegetation and clearing debris that gives rats cover.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes built to post-Andrew codes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and 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
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Homestead, Area by Area
Homestead covers historic streets, newer subdivisions and the farmland around them. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Historic Downtown Homestead
Older homes and storefronts, some dating from before Hurricane Andrew. Original soffits and roof vents are the first thing we check.
Keys Gate
Newer block-and-stucco homes built under updated codes. Garage doors and roof tile edges are the usual entry points.
Near Homestead Air Reserve Base
A mix of housing near the base and surrounding neighborhoods. We check fence lines and storage areas along with the usual roofline spots.
Farmland and packing houses on the edge of the city
Rows of tomatoes, avocados and tropical fruit surround much of Homestead. Rats move between the fields and the nearest buildings.
Canal-front properties
Homes and lots that back up to drainage canals. Norway rats burrow into the banks and move up into yards and sheds.
Near Coral Castle and the Homestead-Miami Speedway
Homes and small businesses around these well-known Homestead landmarks get the same yard and roofline inspection as anywhere else in the city.
Homestead through the year
How the Growing Season and Weather Change Rodent Activity
Homestead has a tropical monsoon climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year, but the growing season and storm season change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Heavy afternoon rain from June to September fills canals and drainage ditches, pushing Norway rats out of the banks and 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 Andrew leveled much of Homestead in 1992, and the city has taken hits from later storms since. Wind damage opens gaps in soffits and roofs, and flooding pushes rodents out of low areas and into homes.
Tip: After any storm, walk the roofline and check for new gaps.
Winter growing season
Homestead’s fields grow tomatoes, avocados and tropical fruit through the cooler months. Harvested and cleared fields push rodents toward the nearest buildings looking for shelter and food.
Tip: If your property borders a field, ask about a perimeter inspection before harvest ends.
Mild winter nights
Nights in Homestead rarely get cold enough to slow rats down, but on the cooler ones they do look for a warm, dry attic. This is when many homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before the cooler nights start.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Homestead Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, farm edge and garage
- Trim branches and fruit trees away from the roof
- Pick up fallen avocados, mangoes and tomatoes daily
- Keep chicken feed, pet food and bird seed in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks, ditches and field edges free of debris and brush piles
- Store equipment and packing crates off the ground
- 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
Primary Homestead response zone
Homestead service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Homestead spans several ZIP codes across the city and the surrounding agricultural area. These are the ones we serve most. Call if you do not see yours.
330303303133032330333303433035330393309033092
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic Downtown Homestead · Keys Gate · Homestead Air Reserve Base area · farmland and packing houses on the edge of the city · canal-front properties
Reviews from Homestead customers
Customer Reviews from Homestead
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Homestead home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Homestead, 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.Homestead, 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.Homestead, FL
Verified Homestead rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Homestead Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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.
Homestead is surrounded by farmland, and rats move toward the nearest shelter once a field is harvested or disturbed. Sealing your property line and removing debris and brush piles reduces how attractive it is compared to open ground.
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.
Homes built before Hurricane Andrew rebuilt the city in the 1990s often still have original soffits and roof vents that were never upgraded, which gives rats an easier way in than a home built to current code. We check both kinds of homes the same way, just looking harder at the older weak points.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Yes. We set up scheduled service with written visit logs for packing houses, nurseries and farm stands, and we can plan visits around harvest schedules.
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 Florida City, Princeton, Leisure City, Naranja and Cutler Bay. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Homestead
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Homestead
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Homestead dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Homestead Home, Farm or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Homestead 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 HomesteadHomestead, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
