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 Largo rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Largo, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings under the kitchen sink? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Largo homes and businesses, from the older ranch homes near downtown and Largo Central Park to the canal-front properties along the Intracoastal Waterway. 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 Largo.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Largo
Why Largo Has Rats and Mice Year Round
Largo sits in central Pinellas County between the Intracoastal Waterway and Tampa Bay, with Taylor Lake, Allen’s Creek and McKay Creek running through it. The city was incorporated in 1905 and grew from a citrus packing town into a bedroom community after the 1960s, so the housing stock ranges from small 1950s and 1960s ranch homes to newer construction, all sitting in a warm, humid climate rodents never have to hide from.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Largo. They travel through oaks and shade trees in older neighborhoods near downtown and Largo Central Park, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and vent screens that have rusted or come loose over the decades. In canal and waterfront properties along the Intracoastal side of the city, Norway rats burrow near seawalls, docks and low-lying yards.
House mice show up everywhere, from kitchens in older homes with gaps around old plumbing to newer condos and townhomes near West Bay Village and Largo Mall. Every part of Largo has its own rodent pattern, so we inspect each property as its own job instead of running one generic treatment.
Services available in Largo
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Largo
Most Largo 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, crawl space and yard rat removal for Largo homes, from ranch houses near downtown to canal-front properties.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops near Largo Mall and along West Bay Drive.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, roofline sealing and tree trimming advice for Largo homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Largo Home
Rodents move at night, so most Largo 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 kitchen
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.
Hollowed-out fruit
Half-eaten citrus or backyard fruit still on the tree or on the ground is a classic roof rat sign in older Largo yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Largo Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Largo, Norway rats show up near canals, seawalls and the Intracoastal side of the city, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in homes of every age. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, palm trees and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, rubbish and along canals
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- About 1/2 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body
- Nests
- Inside walls, cabinets, appliances and furniture
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Largo starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roofline, soffits, fascia gaps and roof vents
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Largo 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 a 1950s ranch home and a newer canal-front property have 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
- Tree branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under older homes, and burrows along seawalls and canals
- 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 Largo Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water near canals 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 Largo 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 and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: Newer homes near Largo Mall and West Bay Village get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just old construction.
- 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 under a canal-front home 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, canals and neighboring yards.
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 near a seawall or canal | Burrows are hard to find and close | Ground-level inspection and sealing |
Who we serve in Largo
Rodent Control for Largo Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Largo
From 1950s and 1960s ranch homes near downtown Largo to newer construction and canal-front properties along the Intracoastal, each 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.
- Ranch homes
- Canal-front homes
- Condos and townhomes
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Largo
Restaurants and shops near Largo Mall and along West Bay Drive, and offices and warehouses throughout the city, deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. 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
- Warehouses
- Property managers
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 Largo homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Largo Home
Largo has homes from every decade since the 1950s. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: 1950s and 1960s ranch houses
- Older ranch homes near downtown Largo and North Largo sit low, so gaps in old soffits and attic vents are common
- Original wood trim and rusted vent screens that rodents have chewed through over the years
- Older plumbing chases and gaps around AC additions
- Big shade trees that touch the roof
- Carports and sheds used as storage, which draw rodents looking for shelter
Waterfront and newer homes
- Canal and Intracoastal-facing homes with seawalls where Norway rats burrow
- Newer block-and-stucco homes near West Bay Village and Largo Central Park
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Docks, boat storage and lanai frames used as a way onto the roof
We know the route
Landmarks and Points of Interest in Largo
Largo has a compact downtown and a few well-known landmarks. Our team uses these as orientation points to get to a job quickly.
Largo Central Park
Opened in 1995 on the site of the former Pinellas County Fairgrounds. The park is home to the Central Park Performing Arts Center, and the surrounding blocks are some of Largo’s older, established neighborhoods.
Heritage Village
Pinellas County’s history museum and collection of historic buildings, located off Walsingham Road. Calls from homes near here often involve older wood-frame construction with attic access points.
Largo Mall
Located on Ulmerton Road, this is one of the busiest commercial areas in the city. Restaurants and shops nearby need ongoing rodent control to stay ahead of health inspections.
Largo through the year
How Largo Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Largo has a humid subtropical climate with the heaviest rain from June through September and winters mild enough that rodents stay active all year. The weather changes where they go more than whether they are active.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels along canals and the Intracoastal side of the city, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Storm surge and heavy rain along the Intracoastal side of Largo can push burrowing rats out of low ground, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Largo homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season in older yards
Largo grew up as a citrus packing town, and many older lots still have backyard 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 what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Largo Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal-side yards free of clutter
- Store boat and fishing gear off the ground
- 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 Largo
Largo is not one kind of property. What we do at an older ranch home near downtown is different from what we do at a canal-front house or a newer block home.
Aging Soffits and Attic Access
Homes built in the 1950s and 1960s often have original soffit vents and attic screens that have rusted or come loose, giving roof rats an easy way in above the eaves.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, reseal or replace worn vent screens with metal mesh, and trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls
Homes along the Intracoastal side of Largo and on canal lots deal with Norway rats burrowing near seawalls, docks and low, damp ground.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find near the seawall and foundation.
Garage and AC Line Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes near West Bay Village and Largo Central Park still get rodents through garage door corners and gaps where AC lines pass through the wall.
Our approach: We check the garage and every AC and plumbing penetration first, then seal what 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 Largo response zone
Largo service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Largo has 8 ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, and we also cover the surrounding Pinellas County area. Call if you do not see yours.
3377033771337733377433776337773377833779
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Largo · North Largo · South Highpoint · East Bay · West Bay Village · Harbor Bluffs · Palm Hill · Largo Central Park area
Reviews from Largo customers
Customer Reviews from Largo
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros took care of a rat problem in my attic quickly and explained everything they found.”
JD
John D.Largo, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and thorough. They sealed up the openings on my roof and I haven’t had any issues since.”
SM
Sarah M.Largo, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They knew the area well and gave me straight answers about what was going on under my house near the canal.”
TL
Tom L.Largo, FL
Verified Largo rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Largo 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 homes near downtown Largo and North Largo were built in the 1950s and 1960s, and the original soffit vents and attic screens have often rusted or come loose over the decades. That gives roof rats an easy way in. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
Often, yes. Homes on canals or near the Intracoastal Waterway tend to see more Norway rats, which burrow near seawalls and low ground, compared to inland homes where roof rats in the attic are more common.
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. We work with landlords and property managers as well as homeowners. We can provide a written inspection report and treatment summary for lease or insurance purposes.
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 Clearwater, Pinellas Park, Seminole and West Lealman. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Largo
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Largo
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Largo dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Largo 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 Largo 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 LargoLargo, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
