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 Kendall West rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Kendall West, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses across Kendall West, from the planned communities off SW 157th Avenue to the strip malls along Kendall Drive. 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 Kendall West.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Kendall West
Why Kendall West Homes Get Rats Year-Round
Kendall West is an unincorporated, densely built community about 17 miles west-southwest of downtown Miami, just west of the Florida Turnpike. It is one of the newer planned communities that make up the West Kendall area, alongside Kendale Lakes, The Hammocks, The Crossings and Three Lakes. Warm weather all year and a mix of single-family homes, townhomes, gated subdivisions and apartment buildings around the local strip malls mean rats never get a slow season here.
What makes Kendall West different from most of Miami-Dade is its edge: the community is bordered by Kendale Lakes to the east and The Hammocks to the south, but to the north and west it borders open farmland and undeveloped land. That edge is a direct path for field rats and mice moving toward the nearest food and shelter, which is often the closest row of homes along the western boundary.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most here. They travel along fences, shrubs and power lines, then get into attics through soffit gaps, roof tile edges and vents. Norway rats stay lower, near canals, dumpsters behind the strip malls on Kendall Drive and SW 8th Street, and under sheds and AC pads. House mice show up in kitchens and pantries in nearly every type of home. Every property is its own job, so we inspect each one instead of assuming what a neighbor’s home has.
Services available in Kendall West
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Kendall West
Most Kendall 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, garage and yard rat removal for Kendall West homes, from single-family houses to townhomes in gated communities.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for the shops, restaurants and offices in the strip malls along Kendall Drive and SW 8th Street.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 fence lines 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 fence-line clearing for Kendall West homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Kendall West Home
Rodents move at night, so most Kendall West 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.
Torn fence or shed screening
Rodents coming in from the farmland edge along the west side of Kendall West often chew through shed weatherstripping and fence gaps first.
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 Kendall West Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Kendall West, Norway rats show up near canals, dumpsters and sheds, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in nearly every type of home. 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, fence lines 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, canal banks and dumpster pads
- 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 Kendall 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
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Fence lines and gaps facing the farmland edge to the west and north
- Foundation, slab edges and shed floors
- 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 Kendall West Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the fence line. What we check depends on how close the home sits to the farmland edge and whether it backs onto a canal or a shared wall with a neighbor.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- 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
- Trees and shrubs touching the roof or fence
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines facing farmland or undeveloped lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders 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 Kendall 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 after heavy rain near canals and low yards 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 Kendall West 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 or dirty homes get rats
- Fact: New townhomes and gated subdivisions in Kendall West get rats too. Rats come for shelter and food near the farmland edge, not just trash.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats coming in along a fence line from open land 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 fence gap or roofline.
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 fence facing open land | New rats keep replacing trapped ones | Fence-line sealing plus trapping |
Who we serve in Kendall West
Rodent Control for Kendall West Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Kendall West
Kendall West is mostly single-family homes, townhomes and gated subdivisions, with an HOA in many communities. We check the roofline, attic, garage, fence line and yard, then seal the openings rats are using, whether the home backs onto a neighbor’s fence or onto open land.
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.
- Single-family homes
- Townhomes
- Gated communities
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Kendall West
Strip malls and shopping plazas along Kendall Drive and SW 8th Street have shared dumpsters, loading doors and dense parking lots that back up to canals or open land. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Property managers
- HOA common areas
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 Kendall West is built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Kendall West Property
Kendall West is one of the newer planned communities in the West Kendall area, built mostly as single-family subdivisions, townhome communities and apartment buildings around the local strip malls. The way a property is built and where it sits tells us where to look first.
Homes along the farmland edge
- Properties backing onto the undeveloped land and farmland to the north and west see the most rodent pressure
- Fence lines and gaps under gates are common entry points
- Sheds and detached garages near the property line
- Irrigation and drainage pipe openings along the rear yard
- Roof rats moving in from shrubs and trees along the boundary
Interior townhomes and apartments
- Shared walls and attics in townhome rows can let rodents move between units
- Tile roof edges and gutter gaps on multi-unit buildings
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Dumpster corrals and dry storage areas at apartment communities
- AC line and utility penetrations shared by multiple units
Kendall West and its neighbors
Kendall West’s Borders Shape Where Rodents Come From
Kendall West sits inside a cluster of planned communities that make up West Kendall. What is on the other side of the property line usually tells us what to expect.
Kendale Lakes (east border)
Kendall West’s eastern edge runs into Kendale Lakes. Homes here share the same mix of single-family houses and townhome communities, so entry points look similar on both sides of the line.
The Hammocks (south border)
To the south, Kendall West borders The Hammocks. Rodents do not stop at a CDP line, so we treat properties near this border as part of the same corridor.
Farmland and undeveloped land (north and west)
This is the edge that makes Kendall West different. Open fields and vacant lots to the north and west give field rats and mice a straight path to the closest backyards, especially when the land is disturbed or standing water forms after rain.
Florida Turnpike corridor (east side)
Kendall West sits just west of the Florida Turnpike. The service roads, retention ponds and landscaping along the corridor give rodents cover close to homes on that side of the community.
Kendall West through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Kendall West
Kendall West has a warm, humid climate with a distinct wet season and no real winter cold snap. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather and the farmland edge change where they go.
Rainy season (June through November)
Daily storms flood low areas and the fields to the west, pushing field rats and Norway rats out of burrows and toward the nearest dry shelter, which is often a garage, shed or crawl space.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roof tiles, and heavy rain floods the open land bordering the west side of the community, sending displaced rodents toward the nearest homes.
Tip: After any named storm, walk the roofline and fence line for new gaps.
Cooler dry-season nights
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and garages. This is when many Kendall West homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and fence gaps in the fall, before cooler weather.
Field activity near the farmland edge
When the fields to the north and west are disturbed, plowed, or left fallow, rodents living there lose cover and food and move toward the nearest yards.
Tip: If your property backs onto open land, ask us about a fence-line seal.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Kendall West Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in, especially near the farmland edge.
Yard and fence line
- Trim shrubs and tree branches away from the roof and fence
- Pick up fallen fruit daily if you have fruit trees
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Seal gaps under gates and along fence lines facing open land
- Store yard equipment and boxes off the ground in sheds
- 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 Kendall West
Kendall West is not one kind of property. What we do at a home along the farmland edge is different from what we do at a townhome or a strip mall unit.
Field Rodents Moving In Along the Fence
Properties on the north and west edge of Kendall West back onto open fields and vacant land, which gives field rats and mice a direct path to the yard and, eventually, the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the fence line and rear yard first, seal gaps at the fence, shed and foundation, then trap along the path rodents are using.
Shared Walls and Attics
Attached townhomes share roofs and sometimes attic space, so one unit’s rodent problem can spread to the next unit before anyone notices.
Our approach: We check the shared roofline and party walls, seal entry points on the whole row where needed, and coordinate with the HOA when more than one unit is affected.
Dumpsters and Shared Loading Areas
Retail and restaurant units share dumpsters and loading doors that stay busy all day, which gives Norway rats an easy food source at ground level.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster pad and loading area, then seal ground-level entry points and set up scheduled service with written logs.
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 Kendall West response zone
Kendall West service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Kendall West is covered by 2 ZIP codes. We also cover the rest of West Kendall and Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see yours.
3318533193
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Kendall West · Kendale Lakes · The Hammocks · Tamiami · Westchester · Kendall
Reviews from Kendall West customers
Customer Reviews from Kendall West
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Kendall West home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Kendall West, 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.Kendall West, 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.Kendall West, FL
Verified Kendall West rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Kendall 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 openings the property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
It often comes down to what is behind the property. Homes backing onto the farmland and undeveloped land on the north and west side of Kendall West see more field rats and mice than homes deeper inside the community.
Yes. We trap indoors instead of leaving poison bait where kids or pets can reach it, and any product we use is applied according to its label by an EPA and FDACS certified technician.
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.
Yes, if the units share an attic or roofline. We check the whole row when needed and can work with your HOA to seal shared entry 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.
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 Kendale Lakes, The Hammocks, Kendall, Tamiami and Westchester. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Kendall West
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Kendall West
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Kendall West dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Kendall West 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 Kendall 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 Kendall WestKendall West, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
