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 Kissimmee rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Kissimmee, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Kissimmee homes and vacation rentals, from the historic streets near downtown and Lake Tohopekaliga to the vacation home communities along the US-192 corridor. 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 Kissimmee.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Kissimmee
Why Kissimmee Homes and Vacation Rentals Keep Getting Rats
Kissimmee sits on the northwest shore of Lake Tohopekaliga, and Shingle Creek, considered the headwaters of the Everglades, runs through the city. Warm weather all year, water on multiple sides, and thousands of vacation homes near Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando give rats plenty of places to hide, and plenty of empty houses to move into.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Kissimmee. They travel along oaks and power lines in older neighborhoods near downtown and Buenaventura Lakes, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps around pool screen enclosures. In the historic district near the Osceola County Courthouse, older homes with aging soffits and attic vents give rats an easy way in.
Along the US-192 corridor and in the vacation home communities near Disney, we see a different pattern. Short-term rental homes sit empty between bookings, sometimes for days or weeks at a time, so a gap in a soffit or a garage door seal can go unnoticed until the next cleaning crew or guest hears scratching in the attic. Norway rats stay closer to the ground, and we find them near Lake Tohopekaliga, along Shingle Creek, and around dumpsters at hotels and shopping centers on US-192.
Services available in Kissimmee
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Kissimmee
Most Kissimmee 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 Kissimmee homes, from the historic district near downtown to newer construction off US-192.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants, hotels and vacation rental management companies along US-192 and near Old Town.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, including a vacation rental between guests? 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 before the next guest or tenant moves in.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids, pets and guests.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pool screen frames and garage corners with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in between visits.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, pool cage seals and tree trimming advice for homes and vacation rentals near Kissimmee.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Kissimmee Home
Rodents move at night, so most Kissimmee homeowners and property managers 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. Cleaning crews at vacation rentals often spot these first.
Chewed wires or pool cage screens
Rats gnaw on wiring and pool screen enclosure frames, which are common on Kissimmee vacation homes. This can lead to shorts and torn screens.
Half-eaten citrus fruit
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in older Kissimmee yards near downtown.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch of a home that has been empty for a while.
Guest or tenant complaints
A guest report of noises in the attic or a scratching sound in the wall is often the first sign a property manager hears about.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Kissimmee Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Kissimmee, including in vacation homes near Disney. Norway rats show up near Lake Tohopekaliga, Shingle Creek, and around dumpsters on US-192, 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, and along lake and canal banks
- 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 Kissimmee starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them, whether it is a full-time residence or a vacation rental between bookings.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Pool screen enclosure frames and lanai gaps
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Oaks, palms and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, 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.
- 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, timed around guest turnover for rental properties.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you or your property manager 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, especially for rental and resort property
- 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 Kissimmee Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built and used, since a historic downtown home and a vacation rental near US-192 have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older wood trim near downtown
- 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
- Oak and palm branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pool screen enclosure frames and lanai gaps, common on vacation homes
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Foundation vents and crawl spaces on older homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Dumpster and trash enclosure areas at rental and commercial properties
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 Kissimmee 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, and can work around guest check-in and check-out times for vacation rentals.
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 Lake Tohopekaliga after heavy rain can be a concern.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria, a concern in rental home kitchens between guests.
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 AC lines can cause leaks inside walls, an issue for owners who are not on site every day.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Kissimmee Homeowners and Hosts
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer, especially on a property nobody visits every day. 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, a bad surprise for the next guest. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: A newer vacation home will not get rats
- Fact: New construction near US-192 gets rats too, usually through pool screen gaps and roof vents, not just old openings.
- 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 or a cleaning crew will handle it
- Fact: A cat may catch a few, but neither a cat nor a cleaning crew reaches attics or wall voids or closes 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 before the next booking.
- 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, especially in a home that sits empty between guests.
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 of a full-time home or a vacation rental 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 before the next guest or from nearby oaks and shrubs.
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 found by a cleaning crew | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan, fast turnaround |
| Chewed wires or pool screens | Risk of fire or guest complaints | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize before the next booking |
| Home vacant for weeks between guests | No one is there to notice new activity | Scheduled checks that fit your turnover calendar |
Who we serve in Kissimmee
Rodent Control for Kissimmee Homes, Vacation Rentals and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Kissimmee
From older homes near downtown and Buenaventura Lakes to newer construction toward Poinciana and Celebration, each Kissimmee home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, pool cage 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.
- Historic downtown homes
- Lakefront homes
- Block and tile homes
- Long-term rentals
Commercial and Vacation Rental Rodent Control in Kissimmee
Kissimmee’s economy runs on tourism, with thousands of short-term vacation homes along US-192 near Walt Disney World and Universal Orlando, plus hotels, restaurants and shops around Old Town. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for, and vacation rental hosts do not want a bad review over a rodent problem.
- Vacation rental homes
- Property management companies
- Restaurants
- Hotels and resorts
- HOAs and gated communities
Scheduled service around bookings
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your check-in and check-out calendar.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show an owner, HOA board or inspector.
Discreet work between guests
Inspection, sealing and trapping timed to your cleaning window so it does not disrupt the next check-in.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your property less attractive to rats.
How Kissimmee properties are used
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Kissimmee Property
Kissimmee has a mix of everyday homes and short-term vacation rentals, and each one gets rats for a different reason.
Vacation rental and resort-area homes (US-192 corridor)
- Homes sit empty for stretches between guests, so an open gap can go unnoticed
- Pool screen enclosures and lanai frames are a common entry point
- Shared HOA landscaping with oaks and palms near the roofline
- High guest turnover means fast, discreet service matters
- Cleaning crews are often the first to spot droppings
Established neighborhoods (downtown, Buenaventura Lakes)
- Older homes near downtown Kissimmee with aging soffits and attic vents
- Mature oak trees that give roof rats a path onto the roof
- Block-and-stucco homes in Buenaventura Lakes with garage and AC line gaps
- Full-time residents who hear activity right away
- Yards backing up to canals or retention ponds
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Kissimmee, Area by Area
Kissimmee runs from the historic lakefront downtown out to the resort corridor near Disney. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Historic Downtown and Old Town
Older homes and storefronts near the Osceola County Courthouse and Old Town. Roof rats use mature oaks to reach aging soffits and attic vents.
Lake Tohopekaliga waterfront and Kissimmee Lakefront Park
Homes and businesses along the lake and Shingle Creek. Norway rats burrow near the shoreline and around marina and park facilities.
Buenaventura Lakes
Established block-and-stucco neighborhood just north of downtown. Garage doors, AC line gaps and roof edges are the usual entry points.
US-192 vacation home corridor
Thousands of short-term rental homes between Kissimmee and the theme parks. We schedule inspections and sealing around guest turnover.
Near Old Town and Medieval Times
Retail, restaurants and attractions with heavy foot traffic and shared dumpster areas that draw Norway rats after dark.
Toward Poinciana and Celebration
Newer subdivisions along the southern edge of the city, some next to undeveloped land, which brings rodents in from the woods.
Kissimmee through the year
How Kissimmee Weather and Tourism Change Rodent Activity
Kissimmee has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters, so rodents stay active all year. The tourism calendar adds a pattern most cities do not have.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels around Lake Tohopekaliga and Shingle Creek, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and pool equipment rooms.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Charley crossed Kissimmee in 2004 with winds over 100 miles per hour, followed that same year by Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne. Storm winds can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, and standing water pushes rats out of burrows and toward homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline, especially on a vacant vacation home.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is also peak tourist season, so vacation homes are booked more often, which means faster reporting of noises but more turnover for us to work around.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather and the winter travel season.
Off-peak travel months
In slower booking periods, some vacation homes sit empty for longer stretches. That gives rats more uninterrupted time to nest before the next guest or cleaning visit finds the signs.
Tip: Ask us about a scheduled check between bookings if your property sits vacant often.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Kissimmee Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in, whether you live there full time or manage it as a rental.
Yard, pool cage and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus daily
- Keep pet food and bird seed in sealed bins
- Repair torn pool screen enclosure panels promptly
- Store lawn and pool gear off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers between guests
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Add an attic and soffit check to the turnover cleaning list
- Take trash out and keep lids closed
- Call as soon as a guest, tenant or cleaner reports a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Kissimmee
Kissimmee is not one kind of property. What we do at a vacation home on US-192 is different from what we do at an older home near downtown.
Empty Homes Between Bookings
These homes can sit vacant for days or weeks between guests, so a small gap in a soffit or pool screen goes unnoticed until the next check-in.
Our approach: We work with the owner or property manager to inspect and seal on a schedule that fits guest turnover, and trap discreetly so it does not disrupt the next booking.
Aging Soffits and Attic Vents
Homes near the historic district and older sections of Buenaventura Lakes often have original soffits and attic vents that have gapped or rotted over time.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap what is already inside.
Norway Rats Near the Water
Norway rats burrow along the shoreline, near docks, and around dumpsters at businesses close to the lake and creek.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline or dumpster area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family, tenants or guests 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, large amounts, or a rental between guests, call us instead
Primary Kissimmee response zone
Kissimmee service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Kissimmee ZIP codes run from 34741 to 34747, plus 34758 and 34759. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Osceola County. Call if you do not see yours.
347413474234743347443474534746347473475834759
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic Downtown · Old Town · Lake Tohopekaliga waterfront · Buenaventura Lakes · US-192 vacation home corridor · Shingle Creek
Reviews from Kissimmee customers
Customer Reviews from Kissimmee
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros took care of a rat problem in the attic of our vacation rental near US-192. They worked around our guest schedule and kept us updated the whole time.”
JD
John D.Kissimmee, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Kissimmee, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew the area well and offered a real solution instead of just setting a few traps.”
TL
Tom L.Kissimmee, FL
Verified Kissimmee rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Kissimmee 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, and can time visits around guest bookings if it is a rental.
A home that sits empty for days or weeks gives rats time to nest without anyone hearing it. Pool screen enclosures, roof vents and soffits are the usual way in. We can set up scheduled checks that fit your turnover calendar so problems get caught early.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, a bad surprise for the next guest or tenant. 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.
Hurricane Charley crossed Kissimmee in 2004 with winds over 100 miles per hour, and Hurricanes Frances and Jeanne followed the same year. Storm winds can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, which is worth checking after any major storm, especially on a home that is not lived in full time.
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, which matters if you are hiring sight unseen for a rental property.
Yes. We also serve St. Cloud, Buena Ventura Lakes, Poinciana and Celebration. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Kissimmee
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Kissimmee
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Kissimmee dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Kissimmee Home or Vacation Rental?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Kissimmee 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 KissimmeeKissimmee, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
