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 Kendale Lakes rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Kendale Lakes, FL
Hearing movement in the attic or finding droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses across Kendale Lakes, from the original block homes built when this Miami-Dade community went up in the 1970s and 80s to the townhouse and condo developments near Kendall Drive. 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 Kendale Lakes.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Kendale Lakes
Why Kendale Lakes Homes Get Rodents Year-Round
Kendale Lakes is an unincorporated community in southwest Miami-Dade County, built out mostly in the 1970s and 80s as a planned bedroom community around a series of small lakes, which is where the name comes from. Most homes are single-story, concrete block construction with tile or shingle roofs now 35 to 50 years old, and that age is exactly what gives rats a way in.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel along power lines, fences and the mature trees planted when these subdivisions were built, then drop onto the roof and get in through worn soffits, warped fascia boards and gaps around roof vents that were never sealed when the home was built. In the older sections near Kendale Lakes North and Kendale Lakes South, decades of Florida heat and rain have loosened the same soffit joints on block after block.
Norway rats stay lower and follow water. We find them along the shorelines of the community’s namesake lakes, in drainage areas behind homes that back up to water, and around the dumpsters and loading docks near Kendall Drive and the commercial strip that grew up around the old Kendale Lakes Mall site. In the community’s condo and townhouse developments, shared walls and dumpster corrals bring their own entry points. Every part of Kendale Lakes has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Kendale Lakes
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Kendale Lakes
Most Kendale Lakes 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 Kendale Lakes homes, from original 1970s block houses to newer townhomes.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along Kendall Drive and 137th Avenue.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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Kendale Lakes homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Kendale Lakes Home
Rodents move at night, so most Kendale Lakes 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 mangoes or avocados still on backyard trees are a common roof rat sign in Kendale Lakes 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 Kendale Lakes Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Kendale Lakes, Norway rats show up near the community’s lakes, canals and 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, 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 canals
- 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 Kendale Lakes 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, 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 Kendale Lakes Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. Nearly every home here was built in the same era, so the same weak spots show up block after block, but lakefront lots and condo buildings each add their own checks.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, common on original 1970s and 80s construction
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile and shingle roof edges and roof-to-wall gaps
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Trees and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, yard and shared spaces
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Lots that back onto a lake, canal or drainage area
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Dumpster corrals and shared walls at condo and townhouse buildings
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 Kendale Lakes 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 near a lake or canal bank 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 Kendale Lakes 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: Nearly every home in Kendale Lakes is the same age, and rats do not care whether the block is original or updated. They come for shelter, water and fruit trees.
- 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: Living away from the lakes means no rats
- Fact: Roof rats travel by power line and tree limb, so homes nowhere near water still get them through the roofline.
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 lakefront lot are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the same trees, power lines and drainage areas.
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 lake or canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and treat | Shoreline inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Kendale Lakes
Rodent Control for Kendale Lakes Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Kendale Lakes
From original single-family block homes in Kendale Lakes North and South to townhouse and condo communities near Kendall Drive, each property type has its own weak spots. We check 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.
- Original block homes
- Lakefront lots
- Townhomes
- Condos and rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Kendale Lakes
Shops, offices and the commercial strip around Kendall Drive and 137th Avenue, near the site of the old Kendale Lakes Mall, deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpsters. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Restaurants
- Property managers
- HOAs and condo boards
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 dumpster area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at dumpster corrals 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 Kendale Lakes homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Kendale Lakes Property
Most of Kendale Lakes went up in one building boom, so entry points repeat across the community, but lakefront lots and multi-family buildings add a few of their own.
Original single-family block homes
- Concrete block homes built in the 1970s and 80s across Kendale Lakes North and South
- Soffit and fascia joints that have weathered for 4 to 5 decades
- Roof vents and gable vents with old or missing screens
- Garage door corners and worn bottom seals
- Mature trees planted at construction now touching rooflines
- Lots that back onto the community’s lakes and drainage canals
Townhomes, condos and rentals
- Shared walls and rooflines in townhouse and condo developments near Kendall Drive
- Dumpster corrals and shared storage rooms
- Utility chases where plumbing and cable pass between units
- Parking garage and carport structures
- Landscaping strips along building foundations
- Turnover between tenants, when small gaps can go unnoticed
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Kendale Lakes, Area by Area
Kendale Lakes covers about 8.6 square miles of southwest Miami-Dade. Here is what we usually check first in different parts of the community.
Kendale Lakes North and South
The original single-family sections, built mostly in the 1970s and 80s. Aging soffits and roof vents are the most common entry points block after block.
Homes around Kendale Lakes Park
Near the county park on the community’s west side, we see roof rats using mature tree canopy to reach nearby rooflines.
Miccosukee Golf & Country Club area
Homes around the golf course, once known as Kendale Lakes Country Club, back onto ponds and fairways where Norway rats burrow along the water’s edge.
Kendall Drive commercial corridor
Shops and offices near the former Kendale Lakes Mall site deal with dumpster activity and shared loading areas. We set up scheduled commercial service here.
Lakefront lots throughout the community
Kendale Lakes gets its name from the small lakes threaded through it. Homes backing onto the water get Norway rats along the bank more than any other lot type.
Townhouse and condo developments
Multi-family buildings near Kendall Drive have shared walls and dumpster corrals that call for a different inspection than a single-family lot.
Kendale Lakes through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Kendale Lakes sits inland in southwest Miami-Dade, with a tropical climate and no real cold season. Rodents stay active year-round, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September raise water levels in the community’s lakes and drainage canals, pushing Norway rats toward higher, drier ground near homes and garages.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
This part of southwest Miami-Dade has been through major storms before. Hurricane Andrew in 1992 hit neighboring Kendall especially hard, and storm winds still test roofs and soffits that are decades old. Wind damage and downed branches after any storm can open new gaps for rats.
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 Kendale Lakes homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mangoes and avocados, common in these older subdivisions, 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 Kendale Lakes Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lake edge and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes and avocados daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep lake and canal banks behind the home free of clutter
- Store yard equipment off the 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 Kendale Lakes
Kendale Lakes is not one kind of property. What we do at an original block home in Kendale Lakes North is different from what we do at a condo building near Kendall Drive.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Most Kendale Lakes homes are the same age, so the same soffit and fascia joints have loosened over 4 or 5 decades of Florida heat, letting roof rats into the attic.
Our approach: We check the full roofline for gaps, seal them with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along the Water
Homes backing onto one of the community’s lakes or drainage canals often have Norway rats burrowing along the bank and moving into garages during heavy rain.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and ground-level openings, then bait and seal the entry points we find.
Shared Walls and Dumpster Corrals
Multi-family buildings near the commercial corridor deal with rodents moving unit to unit through shared walls and gathering at dumpster corrals.
Our approach: We work with the property manager or HOA to inspect common areas and dumpster corrals, then seal and trap building-wide.
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 Kendale Lakes response zone
Kendale Lakes service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Kendale Lakes falls mostly in 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole community and the rest of southwest Miami-Dade. Call if you do not see yours.
3317533183
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Kendale Lakes North · Kendale Lakes South · Miccosukee Golf & Country Club area · Kendall Drive corridor · lakefront lots throughout the community
Reviews from Kendale Lakes customers
Customer Reviews from Kendale Lakes
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Kendale Lakes home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Kendale Lakes, 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.Kendale Lakes, 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.Kendale Lakes, FL
Verified Kendale Lakes rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Kendale Lakes 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.
Most of the community was built in the 1970s and 80s, so the soffits, fascia boards and roof vents on one block are often the same age and construction as the next. Decades of Florida heat and rain loosen those joints at roughly the same rate, which is why we see the same entry points across the neighborhood.
Yes, along the banks. Norway rats burrow near water and are common on lots that back onto one of the community’s lakes or drainage canals. Homes away from the water still get roof rats, which travel by tree limb and power line instead.
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.
Yes. We work with property managers and HOAs at the townhouse and condo developments near Kendall Drive, inspecting common areas, dumpster corrals and individual units as needed.
Yes. We also serve Tamiami, Kendall, The Crossings and The Hammocks. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Kendale Lakes
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Kendale Lakes
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Kendale Lakes dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Kendale Lakes 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 Kendale Lakes 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 Kendale LakesKendale Lakes, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
