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 Horizon West rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Horizon West, FL
Scratching in the attic of a house that is barely a few years old? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes across Horizon West, from Hamlin and Waterleigh to Hickory Nut and Ovation. New construction does not stop rodents. We find how they are getting in, seal it, and remove the ones 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 Horizon West.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Horizon West
Why New Construction in Horizon West Still Gets Rats
Horizon West is a master-planned community built on roughly 23,000 acres of former citrus groves in southwest Orange County. Orange County adopted the master plan in the mid-1990s after freezes wiped out the citrus industry there, and the area has since grown into 5 villages, Bridgewater, Lakeside, Hickory Nut, Ovation and Seidel, plus the Hamlin town center. Almost every home here was built in the last 10 to 20 years, which surprises homeowners who assume new construction means no rodents.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Horizon West. In villages like Hickory Nut, Ovation and parts of Summerlake, land is still being cleared for new phases, and the rats and mice living in that brush move into the nearest finished homes instead of disappearing. Mature landscaping in the earlier-built sections around Bridgewater and Lakeside gives roof rats a path from the trees to the roofline as well.
Norway rats and mice usually get in a different way: through gaps builders leave behind. Unsealed plumbing and electrical penetrations, garage door thresholds that have not fully compressed yet, and mulch beds pushed up against the foundation are common entry points on newer builds. Every village also has stormwater retention ponds built into the site plan, and those ponds and the conservation buffers around them give ground-level rodents both water and cover close to backyards.
Services available in Horizon West
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Horizon West
Most Horizon West 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 Horizon West homes, from Hamlin and Waterleigh to Bridgewater and Lakeside.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops at Hamlin Town Center and other retail along SR 429.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 of a new build? 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, garage thresholds, utility penetrations and weep holes so rats cannot get back into a new build.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 and foundation sealing so a rodent problem does not come back after we leave.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Horizon West Home
Rodents move at night, so most Horizon West homeowners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, even in a home built recently, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in the garage
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice. New garages with attached storage are a common spot.
Chewed wires or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring and AC insulation, including lines run through wall penetrations that were never sealed at construction.
Rustling near the retention pond fence
Movement or burrow holes along the back fence line where a yard meets a pond or conservation buffer is a common Horizon West sign.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in the garage, attic hatch or a closet near an exterior wall.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at the garage wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Horizon West Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and garage calls in Horizon West, Norway rats and mice show up along retention ponds, preserve buffers and inside kitchens. You may also see cotton rats in undeveloped lots near active construction, though they rarely move indoors. 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 trees left standing near new construction
- 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 pond banks, preserve buffers and construction staging areas
- 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 garage storage
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Horizon West 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
- Unsealed penetrations around AC lines, plumbing and cable
- Garage door thresholds and weather seals
- Foundation weep holes and slab edges
- Mulch beds, landscaping and fences touching the pond or preserve
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and bird feeders
- 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, including construction gaps builders miss.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or mortar. 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 Horizon West Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. On a new build, most of the gaps we find were left behind at construction, not created by age.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit returns and gaps where trusses meet the fascia
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof-to-wall flashing on 2-story homes
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC line penetrations for chew damage or open gaps
- Tree limbs left standing near new construction that touch the roof
Ground level and yard
- Garage door thresholds and bottom seals
- Foundation weep holes and unsealed utility sleeves
- Mulch beds and landscaping pushed against the foundation
- Fence lines and yards backing to a retention pond or conservation buffer
- Sheds, lanai screen frames and storage areas
- Construction staging areas or cleared lots on neighboring parcels
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 Horizon West 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 in a retention pond 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 Horizon West Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer, and a brand-new house does not make you exempt from any of it.
- Myth: A new house cannot have rats
- Fact: Rodents do not care how new the home is, especially with active construction and cleared land nearby in villages like Hickory Nut and Ovation.
- Myth: The builder’s pest treatment protects the house forever
- Fact: The pre-construction termite and pest barrier around the slab breaks down over time and never covers the roofline anyway.
- 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: 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.
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 near a retention pond or 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 the pond bank, the preserve or a construction lot next door.
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 along a pond bank or preserve fence | Burrows are hard to find and seal | Ground-level inspection and sealing |
Who we serve in Horizon West
Rodent Control for Horizon West Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Horizon West
From the newest builds in Hickory Nut and Ovation to earlier sections of Bridgewater and Lakeside, every Horizon West home has its own weak spots. We check the roofline, attic, garage and yard, especially where a fence line meets a pond or preserve, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof-to-wall flashing, 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.
- New construction
- Pond and preserve lots
- HOA communities
- Rentals and townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Horizon West
Restaurants and shops at Hamlin Town Center and other retail centers along SR 429 deal with daily deliveries, 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
- Retail stores
- HOA clubhouses
- Offices
- 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 Horizon West homes are built
Where Rats Get In, Home by Home in Horizon West
Almost every home in Horizon West is new construction, but new does not mean sealed. What we look for depends on which stage of the community the home is in.
Established villages: Hamlin, Bridgewater, Lakeside
- Mature landscaping and shade trees that give roof rats a path to the roof
- Garage thresholds and weather seals that have started to wear
- Original construction gaps around plumbing and AC lines that were never sealed
- Backyards bordering established stormwater ponds
- Rental and investment homes with less regular upkeep
Growing villages: Hickory Nut, Ovation, Summerlake
- Homes finished right next to lots that are still being cleared or graded
- Fresh mulch beds pushed up against the foundation
- Unsealed utility sleeves and pest tubing left from the builder’s pretreatment
- New sod and irrigation that draws rodents looking for water
- Conservation buffers and retention ponds built into the newest site plans
Village by village
Rodent Problems Across Horizon West, Village by Village
Horizon West is made up of several distinct villages. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Hamlin
Home to Hamlin Town Center, with a Publix, Walmart and a growing lineup of restaurants near Lake Hancock. We handle both the homes and the commercial buildings here.
Waterleigh
A lakefront village with ponds throughout the site plan. Ground-level rats and mice tend to show up along the water’s edge here.
Bridgewater and Lakeside
Some of the earlier-built villages in Horizon West, now with more mature trees and landscaping that give roof rats a route to the attic.
Hickory Nut and Ovation
Still under active development, with cleared and graded lots next to finished homes. Displaced rodents move into the nearest house until the openings are sealed.
Seidel and Summerlake
A mix of finished neighborhoods and ongoing construction along the SR 429 corridor, with retention ponds built into nearly every phase.
Horizon West through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Horizon West
Central Florida’s humid subtropical climate keeps rodents active all year, but the season and the pace of construction both change where they turn up.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in stormwater ponds and preserve areas, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground near homes.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain and wind can flood pond banks and loosen soffits and roof vents on newer homes, giving rodents a fresh way in right after a storm.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and garage seals.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and garages. This is when many Horizon West homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and garage seals in the fall, before cooler weather.
Ongoing construction and land clearing
Horizon West is still being built out in several villages. Every time a nearby lot is cleared or graded, the rodents living there look for the closest finished home.
Tip: If a lot near you is being cleared, have your home checked before activity starts.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Horizon West Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in, even next to a construction zone.
Yard and pond edge
- Trim branches and shrubs away from the roofline
- Keep mulch beds pulled a few inches back from the foundation
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the fence line along ponds and preserves clear of debris
- Store lawn and pool equipment off the ground
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Ask your builder or a technician to confirm utility penetrations are sealed
- Use plastic bins in the garage and attic, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Check the garage and attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, even in a brand-new house
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Horizon West
Horizon West is not one kind of property. What we do at a home backing to a retention pond is different from what we do next to an active construction site.
Builder Gaps That Were Never Sealed
Unsealed plumbing and electrical penetrations, garage thresholds and pretreatment tubing left in place after closing give rodents an easy way into a home that is only a few years old.
Our approach: We check every penetration and threshold the builder created, seal what we find with metal and hardware cloth, then trap what is already inside.
Rodents Along the Water’s Edge
Stormwater ponds and conservation buffers built into nearly every village give ground-level rodents water and cover within a few yards of the back patio.
Our approach: We inspect the rear fence line, lanai screen frame and yard for burrows, then seal the ground-level gaps facing the pond or preserve.
Displaced Rodents From Cleared Land
When a nearby lot is cleared or graded for a new phase, the rats and mice living there move into the closest finished homes instead of leaving the area.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and foundation first since that is where displaced rodents look for a way in, then seal and trap before the activity spreads.
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 Horizon West response zone
Horizon West service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Horizon West spans 4 ZIP codes across its villages. Call if you do not see yours, and we will confirm coverage.
32830328363471434786
Villages we serve
Check my address →
Hamlin · Waterleigh · Bridgewater · Lakeside · Hickory Nut · Ovation · Seidel · Summerlake
Reviews from Horizon West customers
Customer Reviews from Horizon West
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“We were surprised to have rats in a house that was only 3 years old. They found gaps the builder left and sealed everything up.”
MK
Maria K.Horizon West, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Our backyard backs up to a pond and we kept hearing noise near the fence. They explained exactly why and fixed it fast.”
RP
Ryan P.Horizon West, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They knew right away it was probably rats coming from the lot being cleared behind us.”
AC
Angela C.Horizon West, FL
Verified Horizon West rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Horizon West 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 builder gaps the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Builders leave gaps around plumbing, electrical and AC penetrations that are never sealed for pest purposes, and the pre-construction pest barrier around the slab wears off after a few years and never covered the roofline in the first place. We inspect for those specific gaps.
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. When a lot is cleared or graded for a new phase, the rats and mice that were living there look for the nearest shelter, which is often the closest finished home. If a lot near you is being cleared, it is worth having your home checked.
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 Garden, Doctor Phillips, Celebration and Clermont. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Horizon West
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Horizon West
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Horizon West dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Horizon West Home or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, even in a new build, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Horizon West 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 Horizon WestHorizon West, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
