Running in the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark, common in apartment buildings where rodents travel between units along the roof line.
Your local Lauderdale Lakes rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Scratching in the ceiling or ratlines along a canal bank in the yard? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Lauderdale Lakes apartments, condos and single-family homes, from the garden apartment communities off State Road 7 to the block homes near Oakland Park Boulevard. 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 Lauderdale Lakes.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Lauderdale Lakes
Why Lauderdale Lakes Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Lauderdale Lakes sits in a part of the contiguous United States with a tropical rainforest climate, one of the only places in the lower 48 with that classification. That means warm, humid weather almost every month of the year, so rodents in this Broward County city never get a real slow season.
The city is one of the most densely populated in Broward County, with garden apartment communities, 55+ condo developments like Lauderdale Oaks, and single-family block homes packed close together across just 3.73 square miles. That density means a rodent problem in one building or block rarely stays contained. Rats travel along shared roof lines, breezeways, fence lines and canal banks to reach the next building.
The city also manages an active canal system, and public alerts about canal water levels show how much of the local drainage runs through canals that cut through and around neighborhoods here. Norway rats use the vegetation and grass along these canal banks and drainage ditches as travel routes and burrow sites, then move into garages, ground-floor units and yards. Roof rats are the ones we remove most from attics and roof lines, especially in apartment buildings and homes near mature trees off State Road 7 and Oakland Park Boulevard.
Services available in Lauderdale Lakes
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Lauderdale Lakes
Most Lauderdale Lakes jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic, garage and unit-level rat removal for Lauderdale Lakes homes, condos and apartments.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for apartment communities, shopping plazas and offices along State Road 7.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use, including canal banks and shared breezeways, checked on return visits.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a unit 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 dumpster corral bases 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, dumpster area sealing and landscaping advice for Lauderdale Lakes properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Lauderdale Lakes Home
Rodents move at night, so most residents find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings near dumpsters or in garages
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.
Runways along canal banks
Flattened grass trails along canal banks and drainage ditches are a common Norway rat sign in this part of Broward County.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and shared attic space.
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 Lauderdale Lakes Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and ceiling calls in Lauderdale Lakes apartments and homes, Norway rats show up along canal banks, drainage ditches and dumpster areas, 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 along canal banks, under slabs, sheds and dumpster corrals
- 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 Lauderdale Lakes 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
- Shared breezeways, stairwells and dumpster corrals
- Canal banks, drainage ditches and yard burrows
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Food sources: garbage, pet food and open dumpsters
- 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 Lauderdale Lakes Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on whether it is an apartment unit, a condo or a single-family home.
Roof, attic and shared spaces
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including shared roof lines between units
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Stairwells, breezeways and utility closets in apartment buildings
- Tree branches touching the roof
Ground level, canal banks and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Dumpster corral bases and enclosure gates
- Canal banks, drainage ditches and grass runways
- Sheds, storage areas and pool equipment
- Screened patios and lanai frames on 55+ condo communities
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
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 Lauderdale Lakes Properties
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 or unit 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 property 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, a real concern near canal banks and after heavy rain.
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, which is a bigger problem in shared apartment buildings.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Lauderdale Lakes Residents
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, and in an apartment building that smell can spread to a neighboring unit. We trap inside instead.
- Myth: Only older buildings get rats
- Fact: Newer apartment communities near canals and dumpster areas get them too. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just age.
- 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 indoors will take care of it
- Fact: Cats kept indoors do not reach attics, wall voids or canal banks, and do not close entry points.
- Myth: It is only the landlord’s problem to solve
- Fact: In a rental, quick reporting to the property manager and cooperating with the inspection get the problem fixed faster for everyone in the building.
- 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 canal bank are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the canal, a neighboring unit or the dumpster area.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises above an apartment ceiling | Hard to reach shared roof space | Roofline sealing across shared units |
| Rat runway along a canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and seal | Canal-side inspection and ground sealing |
| Droppings near the dumpster corral | Usually means an ongoing colony | Full inspection and site plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell in a wall | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
Who we serve in Lauderdale Lakes
Rodent Control for Lauderdale Lakes Homes, Condos and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Lauderdale Lakes
From garden apartment units and 55+ condo communities like Lauderdale Oaks to single-family block homes near Oakland Estates, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, shared spaces, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and shared roof lines, 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.
- Garden apartments
- 55+ condo communities
- Block homes
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Lauderdale Lakes
Apartment communities, shopping plazas along State Road 7 and offices near Oakland Park Boulevard deal with shared dumpster areas, deliveries and doors that open all day. Property managers need a plan that covers the whole site, not just one unit.
- Apartment communities
- Retail plazas
- Offices
- HOAs and condo boards
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations across the property.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can share with an HOA board, owner or inspector.
Dumpster and corral sealing
Base gaps and gates at dumpster corrals closed with rodent-proof materials.
Canal-side and landscaping advice
Simple changes to landscaping near canal banks that make a property less attractive to rats.
How Lauderdale Lakes properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Lauderdale Lakes Property
Lauderdale Lakes is one of the more densely built cities in Broward County, with garden apartments, 55+ condo communities and single-family block homes close together. The type of property tells us where to look first.
Garden apartments and 55+ condo communities
- Shared roof lines and attics let rodents move from one unit to the next
- Dumpster corrals and shared trash areas draw Norway rats and roof rats alike
- Screened patios and lanai frames at 55+ communities like Lauderdale Oaks give ground-level cover
- Breezeways, stairwells and utility closets with gaps at the roofline
- Landscaping and canal-side grass used as travel routes
Single-family block homes
- Block homes built in the years after the city incorporated in 1961 often have aging soffits and roof vents
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines and yards backing up to canals or drainage ditches
- Fruit trees and pet food left outdoors overnight
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Lauderdale Lakes, Area by Area
Lauderdale Lakes packs a lot of different property types into 3.73 square miles. Here is what we usually check first in each part of the city.
Along State Road 7 and Oakland Park Boulevard
Retail plazas, apartment buildings and offices along these two major roads deal with dumpster areas and busy loading zones. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Oakland Estates and nearby apartment communities
Garden-style apartment buildings with shared roof lines and breezeways. Roof rats move unit to unit if the roofline is not sealed.
Lauderdale Oaks and other 55+ communities
Screened patios and community common areas near canal-adjacent landscaping. Ground-level sealing and canal-side inspection matter most here.
Near Boyd Anderson High School and Lauderdale Lakes Middle School
Established single-family block neighborhoods from the years after incorporation. Aging soffits and roof vents are the usual entry points.
Near the city border with Tamarac and Lauderhill
Mixed apartments and homes close to canal banks that cross city lines. Norway rats do not stop at the property line, so we check both sides of a shared fence or canal.
Near Boulevard Gardens
Mature landscaping and mixed housing types near this Broward County community park. We look at both attic access and ground-level burrows here.
Lauderdale Lakes through the year
How the Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes has a tropical rainforest climate, one of the only places in the contiguous United States with that classification. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise canal water levels and flood burrows near the banks, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and ground-floor units.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Wilma crossed South Florida in 2005, including Broward County, causing extensive wind damage and power outages that lasted weeks in many neighborhoods. Storms like it push rats out of canal burrows and damage roofs, opening new gaps for them to get in.
Tip: After a storm, walk the property and check the roofline and canal-side fence line.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and shared roof spaces. This is when many residents first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Year-round humidity
Because Lauderdale Lakes sits in a tropical rainforest climate zone, there is no real cold season to slow rodents down the way there is farther north, so entry points need to be sealed on their own schedule, not just before winter.
Tip: Schedule an inspection any time of year, not just in fall.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Lauderdale Lakes Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal bank and dumpster area
- Keep grass along canal banks and fence lines trimmed short
- Keep dumpster and trash corral gates closed and latched
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins, not left outside overnight
- Store boat and yard gear off the ground
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Report open trash areas to your property manager or HOA
Inside the home or unit
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in storage areas, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic or storage closet every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, especially in a shared building
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Lauderdale Lakes
Lauderdale Lakes is not one kind of property. What we do at a garden apartment community is different from what we do at a single-family block home.
Rodents Moving Unit to Unit
Shared roof lines, breezeways and dumpster corrals let rats and mice move from one apartment to the next, so treating a single unit rarely solves the problem for long.
Our approach: We inspect the whole building line, seal shared roofline and breezeway gaps with metal and hardware cloth, and coordinate scheduling with the property manager.
Norway Rats Along Canal Banks and Patios
Canal-adjacent landscaping and screened patios give Norway rats ground-level cover close to condo buildings like those in Lauderdale Oaks.
Our approach: We inspect the canal-side foundation and patio screens, seal ground-level gaps, and place traps along the runways we find.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Block homes built in the years after the city’s 1961 incorporation often have soffits and roof vents that have never been sealed against rodents.
Our approach: We check the full roofline and garage 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 or your tenants 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, shared spaces or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Lauderdale Lakes response zone
Lauderdale Lakes service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Lauderdale Lakes is covered by 4 ZIP codes. We serve all of them and the surrounding Broward County area. Call if you do not see yours.
33309333113331333319
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Oakland Estates · Lauderdale Oaks · Near State Road 7 · Near Oakland Park Boulevard · Near Boulevard Gardens · Border areas with Tamarac and Lauderhill
Reviews from Lauderdale Lakes customers
Customer Reviews from Lauderdale Lakes
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where the rats were getting into our apartment building and sealed it up. Fast and professional from the first call.”
RP
Rhonda P.Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They explained everything before they started and followed up until the noises in the ceiling stopped completely.”
MG
Marcus G.Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Our HOA board hired them for the whole community and the written visit logs made it easy to track progress.”
DT
Denise T.Lauderdale Lakes, FL
Verified Lauderdale Lakes rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Lauderdale Lakes Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →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 inside and how many openings the building or home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Shared roof lines, breezeways and dumpster corrals let rats and mice move between units. Treating one unit without sealing the shared entry points usually means the problem comes back from next door.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, and in a shared building that smell can reach a neighboring unit. Trapping indoors and sealing the openings works better.
It can. Norway rats use the grass and vegetation along canal banks and drainage ditches as travel routes and burrow sites, especially after heavy rain raises the water level. Homes and buildings backing up to a canal are worth an extra look at ground-level entry points.
Lauderdale Lakes sits in a tropical rainforest climate zone, one of the only areas in the contiguous United States with that classification. Without a real cold season, rats and mice stay active all year instead of slowing down in winter.
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, shared spaces 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 Tamarac, Lauderhill, Oakland Park and Fort Lauderdale. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Lauderdale Lakes
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Lauderdale Lakes
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Lauderdale Lakes dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Lauderdale Lakes 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 Lauderdale Lakes 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 Lauderdale LakesLauderdale Lakes, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
