Noise in the barn or attic
Scratching or quick footsteps after dark in a hay loft, feed room or attic is one of the first signs owners notice.
Your local Keystone rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Keystone, FL
Noise in the barn at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Keystone homes, horse properties and farms, from the large rural parcels near Gunn Highway to the newer subdivisions along the Citrus Park and Westchase lines. 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 Keystone.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Keystone
Why Keystone Has Both Rural and Suburban Rat Problems
Keystone is an unincorporated community in northwestern Hillsborough County, about 22 miles northwest of downtown Tampa. It borders Citrus Park, Westchase, Northdale and Cheval, plus Trinity and Odessa across the Pasco County line. The area grew from a citrus farming settlement founded in the 1850s by the Mobley family into a mix of large-lot rural homesites, working horse farms and newer subdivisions, so rat and mouse problems look different from one property to the next.
On the rural side, Keystone still has large parcels, private lakes, wooded lots and horse and agricultural properties. The Keystone Civic Association, one of the oldest and most active civic associations in Hillsborough County, works to protect that character. Roof rats live in the oak trees and old citrus trees on these lots and move into barns, feed rooms and attics looking for grain, hay and shelter. Norway rats burrow near the private lakes, wetlands and drainage ditches that make up roughly 4 square miles of the community.
On the suburban side, Keystone’s population grew about 64 percent between the 2010 and 2020 census, and newer subdivisions near the Citrus Park and Westchase lines bring block and stucco construction with tile roofs and closer-set lots. These homes get rats through roof edges, AC line gaps and garage doors, the same way homes do throughout the Tampa Bay area. We inspect each property based on what is actually there, not a standard checklist.
Services available in Keystone
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Keystone
Most Keystone 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, barn and crawl space rat removal for Keystone homes, from rural horse properties to new construction near Citrus Park.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for horse boarding operations, farms and small businesses on Keystone’s larger commercial parcels.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use, including barns and feed rooms, and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, barn 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, garages and feed rooms, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and around barns, and follow product labels around kids, pets and horses.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps, barn siding 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, grain bin seals and tree trimming advice for Keystone homes and outbuildings.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice on a Keystone Property
Rodents move at night, so most Keystone property owners find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Gnawed feed sacks or hay bags
Torn grain bags, chewed hay twine and scattered feed are a classic sign of rats or mice on horse and hobby farm properties.
Chewed wires or irrigation lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, well pump lines and irrigation tubing. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Droppings along fence lines
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long along fences, in the garage or near a shed point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Burrows near a lake or ditch
Small holes along the bank of a private lake, pond or drainage ditch are a sign of Norway rat activity.
Horses, dogs or barn cats on alert
Animals staring at a wall, pawing at a feed bin or sniffing along the barn floor often sense rodents before people do.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is on Your Keystone Property?
Roof rats cause most attic and barn calls on Keystone’s wooded, tree-lined parcels. Norway rats show up near lakes, drainage ditches and grain storage. House mice get into kitchens, pantries and feed rooms. You may also see cotton rats in pastures and overgrown lots, 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, oak and citrus trees, hay lofts and thick brush
- 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 near lakes, ditches, sheds and grain storage
- 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, feed rooms, cabinets and appliances
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Keystone starts with a full inspection of the house and any outbuildings. 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
- Barns, hay lofts, feed rooms and tack rooms
- Gaps around AC lines, well pump lines, cables and vents
- Garage door seals, exterior doors and shed openings
- Foundation, pier and beam gaps, and any crawl space
- Food sources: grain, feed sacks, pet food and fallen citrus
- 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 barn siding.
- 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, kept away from horses and pets, 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 of feed storage.
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. Leptospirosis is a particular concern around standing water, ditches and pastures.
- 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 Keystone Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the water line. What we check depends on whether the property is a rural homesite, a working farm or a newer subdivision home.
Roof, attic and barns
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older barns and outbuildings
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Hay lofts, feed rooms and tack rooms
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring, well pumps and irrigation lines for chew damage
- Oak limbs, citrus trees and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, yard and water
- Pipe, well and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines, pastures and grain or feed storage
- Burrows along private lake and drainage ditch banks
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fallen citrus, bird feeders and pet food left outside
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 Keystone Homes and Barns
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 any outbuildings, 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, kept away from horses and pets. 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 or feed storage needs to change.
- 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 on a Keystone Property 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, including in barns and feed rooms. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Ponds, ditches and pastures after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Feed, counters and kitchens 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 horses, barn cats, dogs and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed well or irrigation lines can cause leaks or pump failures.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Keystone Property Owners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the barn or attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or hay lofts, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap instead.
- Myth: Only messy properties get rats
- Fact: Well-kept horse farms and new subdivision homes get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and feed, 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 barn cat will take care of it
- Fact: Barn cats may catch a few mice in the open, but they do not reach hay lofts, wall voids or grain bins, and they do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the barn or 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 in a barn or 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 nearby trees, pastures and the lake.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic or barn | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline and barn sealing with trapping |
| Rats in feed or grain storage | Bait is risky around horses and pets | Trapping and sealed storage plan |
| Droppings in several areas | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or well lines | Risk of fire or pump failure | Find the source and seal it |
| Burrows near a private lake | Hard to locate and seal safely | Shoreline inspection and sealing |
Who we serve in Keystone
Rodent Control for Keystone Homes, Farms and Small Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Keystone
From large rural parcels and horse properties to block-and-stucco homes near the Citrus Park and Westchase lines, each Keystone property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, barn, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline, attic and barn inspection
We check soffits, vents, roof edges and outbuildings, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping around horses and pets
Indoor and outbuilding trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from animals.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation or feed storage should change.
- Rural homesites
- Horse and hobby farms
- Lakefront homes
- Newer subdivisions
Commercial and Farm Rodent Control in Keystone
Horse boarding operations, agricultural businesses and the small commercial properties in Keystone deal with feed storage, outbuildings and doors that open all day. We build a service plan around what is actually stored and used on site.
- Horse boarding facilities
- Farms and hobby farms
- Offices
- Small retail
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around feeding and business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show an owner, manager or boarder.
Barn and door sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at barns, feed rooms and storage closed with rodent-proof materials.
Feed and storage advice
Simple changes to grain and feed storage that make a property less attractive to rats.
How Keystone properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Keystone Property
Keystone has everything from 1800s homesteads to brand new subdivisions. The way a property is built and used tells us where to look first.
Rural homesites, farms and horse properties
- Barns, hay lofts, feed rooms and tack rooms with open siding gaps
- Older farmhouses on piers or crawl spaces
- Fence lines, pastures and overgrown lots that draw cotton rats and mice
- Private lake and pond banks where Norway rats burrow
- Oak and citrus trees that give roof rats a path to the roof
Newer subdivisions near Citrus Park and Westchase
- Block-and-stucco construction with tile roofs
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Closer-set lots where a rat problem can spread between neighbors
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Keystone
Keystone is not one kind of property. What we do at a horse farm is different from what we do at a new subdivision home near Westchase.
Rats and Mice in Feed Storage
Grain, hay and feed sacks in barns and feed rooms are an easy meal, and open siding gaps give rodents a way inside.
Our approach: We inspect barns and outbuildings, seal siding and vent gaps, and recommend sealed metal feed containers, then trap along the paths rodents use.
Norway Rats Near the Water
Norway rats burrow along the banks of Keystone’s private lakes, ponds and drainage ditches, then move toward garages and sheds.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and foundation, seal crawl space and vent openings, and set traps away from pets.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes 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.
Area by area
Rodent Problems Around Keystone, Area by Area
Keystone borders several different communities, and each edge of the community has its own rodent pattern.
Central Keystone and the private lakes
Large parcels with private lakes and wooded lots. Norway rats burrow along the shoreline, and roof rats use oak canopies to reach barns and attics.
Toward Citrus Park and Northdale
Where rural lots give way to established suburban neighborhoods. We check roof edges, garages and AC line gaps here.
Toward Westchase and Cheval
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions with tile roofs and closer-set lots. Roofline and garage sealing matter most here.
Toward Trinity and Odessa (Pasco County line)
More farms, ranches and large-acreage properties. Barn and feed storage inspections are common on this side of Keystone.
Near Steinbrenner High School and the school corridor
A mix of established homes and newer construction. We check attic insulation and roof vents on both.
Toward East Lake (Pinellas County line)
Wooded, lake-heavy terrain along the county line. Shoreline burrows and attic entry points are both common.
Keystone through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Keystone
Keystone has the same humid subtropical climate as the rest of the Tampa Bay area, with daily summer storms and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in Keystone’s private lakes, ponds and pastures, pushing Norway rats toward barns, garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep barn and garage doors closed and store feed off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Helene and Milton in 2024 brought heavy wind and rain across Hillsborough County, including inland areas like Keystone, downing tree limbs and loosening roof and barn siding. Damaged rooflines and outbuildings give rats a new way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check barns and sheds for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and barns. This is when many Keystone owners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and barn siding in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season on older parcels
Keystone grew out of a citrus farming settlement, and older parcels still have citrus trees. Fallen fruit is an easy meal for roof rats and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear fallen fruit from the ground.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family and animals safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows or barn doors 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, barns or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Keystone response zone
Keystone service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Keystone is served by ZIP codes 33556 and 33558. We also cover the neighboring communities. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
3355633558
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Keystone · Citrus Park · Westchase · Northdale · Cheval · Lutz · Trinity · Odessa
Reviews from Keystone customers
Customer Reviews from Keystone
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros inspected our barn and sealed up the feed room. No more mice getting into the grain since then.”
RH
Rebecca H.Keystone, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They were careful around our horses and pets, and explained exactly where the rats were getting in. Very professional.”
MP
Mark P.Keystone, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats near our lake and they sealed the crawl space and set traps. Haven’t heard anything since.”
JT
Jennifer T.Keystone, FL
Verified Keystone rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Keystone Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Yes. We inspect barns, hay lofts and feed rooms, seal entry points, and set traps in a way that keeps bait and snap traps away from horses and other animals.
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 on the property and how many openings it has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or hay lofts where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell. Trapping and sealing the openings works better, and it is safer around horses and pets.
Norway rats burrow near water and food. Keystone has roughly 4 square miles of private lakes, ponds and drainage ditches, which gives them plenty of places to dig in along the banks before moving toward garages and sheds.
In many cases, yes. Helene and Milton brought heavy wind and rain across Hillsborough County in 2024, including inland communities like Keystone, and loosened roof and barn siding. If your property had storm damage, it is worth having the roofline and outbuildings 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 barns 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 Citrus Park, Westchase, Northdale and Lutz. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Keystone
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Keystone
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Keystone dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Keystone Home or Barn?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Keystone 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 KeystoneKeystone, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
