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 Lakeland rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Lakeland, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Lakeland homes and businesses, from the older bungalows of Dixieland and Beacon Hill to the lakefront properties around Lake Hollingsworth and the newer construction along the Polk Parkway. 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 Lakeland.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Lakeland
Why Lakeland Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Lakeland sits in Polk County between Tampa and Orlando along I-4, built around 38 named lakes including Lake Hollingsworth, Lake Parker, Lake Morton and Lake Mirror. Warm weather nearly all year, mature oak canopy near the water, and a mix of century-old homes and new construction mean rats and mice never get a real slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Lakeland. They travel along oak limbs and power lines near the lakes, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and tile edges. In older neighborhoods like Dixieland and Beacon Hill, the raised and pier-built homes also give rats room to nest underneath the floor.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground and water. We find them along the shorelines of Lake Hollingsworth and Lake Parker, in landscaping around Downtown Lakeland restaurants near Munn Park, and in garages of newer block homes built out along the Polk Parkway (SR 570) corridor. House mice show up everywhere, mostly in kitchens and pantries. Every part of the city has its own reason for rodent activity, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Lakeland
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Lakeland
Most Lakeland 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 crawl space rat removal for Lakeland homes, from older bungalows in Dixieland to new construction near the Polk Parkway.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops around Downtown Lakeland and Munn Park.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 Lakeland homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Lakeland Home
Rodents move at night, so most Lakeland 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.
Grease marks along the roofline
Dark, greasy smudges where rats squeeze along the same soffit gap or roof edge night after night.
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 Lakeland Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Lakeland, drawn in by the oak canopy around the city’s lakes. Norway rats stay lower, near shorelines, dumpsters and garages. House mice get into kitchens and pantries in any part of town. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces and trees near water
- 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 lakeshores
- 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 Lakeland 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, pier and beam crawl spaces on older homes
- Oak limbs and vines 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, and we stand behind that work.
- 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 mortar. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and re-checkWe remove droppings and nesting material, then return if activity starts up again after treatment.
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 Lakeland Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an older pier-and-beam home near Downtown and a newer block home off the Polk Parkway have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and vines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Pier-and-beam crawl spaces under older homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Lakeshore edges and dock areas on waterfront lots
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 Lakeland 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. Lakeshore edges and standing water 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 Lakeland 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 dirty homes get rats
- Fact: Clean homes near Lake Hollingsworth and Beacon Hill get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, 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 in the attic or along a lakeshore 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 oaks and lakeshores.
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 under a pier-and-beam home | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Lakeland
Rodent Control for Lakeland Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Lakeland
From older homes in Dixieland and Beacon Hill to lakefront properties around Lake Hollingsworth and newer block homes off the Polk Parkway, each Lakeland home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, 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.
- Older bungalows
- Lakefront homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and rooming houses
Commercial and Rental Rodent Control in Lakeland
Restaurants and shops around Downtown Lakeland and Munn Park deal with daily deliveries and shared dumpsters. Property managers with rentals in Dixieland, Beacon Hill and around the university and college area have a different concern: one bad rodent review or a tenant complaint about droppings can cost more than the service call. We set up scheduled visits with written logs for both.
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Rental homes
- Property managers
- Warehouses
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business or turnover schedule.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager, owner 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 a property less attractive to rats between tenants.
How Lakeland homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Lakeland Home
Lakeland has homes from the 1880s through today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Dixieland and Beacon Hill
- Pier-and-beam homes near Downtown sit off the ground, so rats nest under the floor
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Mature oak canopy that touches the roof
Newer homes: block and tile off the Polk Parkway
- Block-and-stucco homes built out along SR 570 and toward South Lakeland
- Open 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
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Lakeland, Area by Area
Lakeland is not one kind of neighborhood. Here is what we usually check first in each part of the city.
Downtown Lakeland and Munn Park
Historic buildings and restaurant blocks around Lake Mirror. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Dixieland and Beacon Hill
Older pier-and-beam homes under big oaks. Rats nest in the crawl space and use the trees to reach the attic.
South Lakeland and Lake Hollingsworth
Homes and Florida Southern College sit right along the water. Norway rats burrow near the shoreline.
Around Lake Parker
One of the city’s largest lakes at roughly 2,550 acres, with homes and parkland along the shore where rats burrow near the water.
Growth along the Polk Parkway (SR 570)
Newer block-and-stucco subdivisions built along this beltway route. Roof edges and AC line gaps are the usual entry points.
Along I-4
Lakeland is the largest city on I-4 between Tampa and Orlando, with warehouses and retail centers where dumpster areas draw rats.
Lakeland through the year
How Lakeland Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Lakeland has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and mild winters that only occasionally dip near freezing. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon thunderstorms are common through the summer and raise water levels on Lakeland’s lakes, pushing Norway rats away from the shoreline and toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind and rain during hurricane season can knock branches onto rooflines and damage soffits, opening new gaps for rodents right when yards flood and displace ground-level burrows.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
Winters stay mild with only occasional freezes. On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics, which is when many Lakeland homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus and grove-adjacent properties
Polk County’s citrus and phosphate industries shaped a lot of the land around Lakeland. Homes near old groves and open fields see more rodent pressure from surrounding fields moving toward shelter.
Tip: Clear fallen fruit and citrus debris close to the house.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Lakeland Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lakeshore and garage
- Trim oak branches and vines away from the roof
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep lakeshore edges and dock areas free of clutter
- Store lawn and pool equipment off the floor
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Clear fallen fruit near citrus and fruit trees daily
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 Lakeland
Lakeland is not one kind of house. What we do at an older pier-and-beam home in Dixieland is different from what we do at a lakefront property or a newer block home off the Polk Parkway.
Nesting Under the Floor
These pier-and-beam homes are raised off the ground, which gives rats room to nest underneath the floor and get in through gaps in the skirting or foundation vents.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and foundation vents, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near the Water
Norway rats burrow into the ground along shorelines, docks and landscaped edges of Lakeland’s lakes, then move toward garages and yards during heavy rain.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and yard for burrows, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find at the home.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes built along SR 570 still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
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 Lakeland response zone
Lakeland service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Lakeland’s ZIP codes run from 33801 to 33815. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and surrounding Polk County. Call if you do not see yours.
338013380333805338093381033811338123381333815
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Lakeland · Dixieland · Beacon Hill · South Lakeland · Lake Hollingsworth · Lake Parker area · Polk Parkway corridor
Reviews from Lakeland customers
Customer Reviews from Lakeland
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near Lake Hollingsworth and sealed it up. Quick and professional.”
RH
Rebecca H.Lakeland, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We have an older home in Dixieland and they knew exactly where to check under the house. Appreciated the follow-up visit too.”
DM
David M.Lakeland, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Called about noises in the attic and they explained everything before starting. Would recommend to anyone in Lakeland.”
KT
Karen T.Lakeland, FL
Verified Lakeland rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Lakeland 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.
Many of these homes are built on piers with a crawl space underneath. Gaps in the skirting, missing vent screens and rotted sill boards give rats a dry, hidden place to nest. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Norway rats tend to burrow near shorelines and move toward garages and yards after heavy rain, while roof rats in the same area still prefer the attic and tree canopy. An inspection tells us which one is active on your property.
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 landlords in Lakeland on scheduled visits with written logs, which helps document the issue between tenants and keep the property in good shape.
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 Plant City, Bartow and Winter Haven. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Lakeland?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Lakeland
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Lakeland
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Lakeland dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Lakeland 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 Lakeland 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 LakelandLakeland, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
