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 Leesburg rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Leesburg, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Leesburg homes and businesses, from the citrus-era cottages near downtown and Lake Harris Shores to the newer subdivisions off US 441 and the manufactured home communities near The Villages. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Leesburg.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Leesburg
Why Leesburg Has Rats Near Every Lake and Canal
Leesburg sits on the Harris Chain of Lakes, between Lake Harris and Lake Griffin, right at the head of the Ocklawaha River. The city was settled in 1857 and incorporated in 1875, and it has grown fast, from about 27,000 residents at the 2020 census to close to 39,000 by 2025. That growth means brand new subdivisions now sit next to century-old streets, and rats move through each one differently.
Roof rats are the most common call on Leesburg’s older streets near downtown and the Historic District, where mature oaks and leftover citrus trees still shade raised, wood-frame homes built back when watermelon and citrus were the city’s main industries. Many of the old groves around town were replaced by subdivisions after the hard freezes of December 1983 and February 1985 wiped out local citrus, and those newer block homes have their own entry points around garages and roof edges.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the shoreline near Venetian Gardens, around Lake Harris Shores and Lake Griffin, and in the canals that link the chain of lakes. Near the Leesburg side of The Villages, we also handle rats getting into manufactured and mobile homes through gaps in the skirting, which is a different job from sealing a slab or crawl space house.
Services available in Leesburg
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Leesburg
Most Leesburg 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 Leesburg homes, from raised cottages near downtown to newer block homes off US 441.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants around downtown Leesburg and the US 441 corridor.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use around Leesburg homes 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, garage corners and mobile home skirting 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, skirting repair and tree trimming advice for Leesburg homes near the lakes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Leesburg Home
Rodents move at night, so most Leesburg 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.
Hollowed citrus in the yard
Leesburg still has backyard orange and grapefruit trees left from its citrus days. Fruit hollowed out on the tree or ground is a classic roof rat sign.
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 Leesburg Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Leesburg, Norway rats show up near the chain of lakes, canals and dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. You may also see cotton rats in overgrown lots near the county’s rural edges, but they rarely move indoors. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces, citrus and oak trees
- 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, lake shoreline, sheds and rubbish
- 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 Leesburg 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
- Manufactured home skirting and undercarriage
- Oak and citrus tree branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen citrus
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 Leesburg 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 raised citrus-era cottage, a 1990s block house and a manufactured home all 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
- Tile and shingle 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 citrus branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under raised cottages, and skirting on manufactured homes
- Canal banks and shoreline near Venetian Gardens and Lake Harris Shores
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
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 Leesburg 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 the lakes and 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 Leesburg 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 near downtown get rats
- Fact: New subdivisions built on former citrus land 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: Living away from Lake Harris or Lake Griffin means no rat risk
- Fact: Norway rats travel along the canals that connect the chain of lakes, so ground-level activity shows up well past the shoreline.
- 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 mobile 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 oaks, citrus trees and the chain of lakes.
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 mobile home | Skirting is hard to seal correctly | Skirting and undercarriage sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Leesburg
Rodent Control for Leesburg Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Leesburg
From raised citrus-era cottages near downtown and Lake Harris Shores to block homes in the newer subdivisions off US 441, and manufactured homes near The Villages border, each Leesburg property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space or skirting, 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.
- Historic District cottages
- Lakefront homes
- Block and tile homes
- Manufactured and mobile homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Leesburg
Restaurants and shops around downtown Leesburg and Lake Square Mall 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 Leesburg homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Leesburg Home
Leesburg has homes from every decade since the 1800s, plus manufactured housing near The Villages. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: Historic District and citrus-era cottages
- Raised wood-frame cottages near downtown sit on piers, 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
- Big oaks and leftover citrus trees that touch the roof
Newer homes: block subdivisions and manufactured housing
- Block-and-stucco homes built in the 1980s and 1990s after the citrus freezes, on land that used to be groves
- Open tile or shingle roof edges that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screen enclosure frames
- Manufactured and mobile homes near The Villages border with gaps in the skirting
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Leesburg, Area by Area
Leesburg has very different pockets, from the historic downtown to the newer growth near The Villages. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown and the Leesburg Historic District
Streets near the Leesburg Public Library, first founded in 1875, still have raised wood-frame cottages under old oaks. Rats nest in the crawl space and use the trees to reach the attic.
Venetian Gardens and Lake Harris Shores
This WPA-built waterside park, dating to 1938, sits right on Lake Harris. Norway rats burrow along the shoreline and canal banks nearby.
Lake Square Mall corridor
Shopping and restaurant space near this US 441 mall, open since 1980, needs scheduled commercial service with written logs at loading docks and dumpsters.
Newer subdivisions on former citrus land
Groves lost to the 1983 and 1985 freezes became block-and-stucco neighborhoods in the decades after. Garage corners and tile roof edges are the usual entry points.
Near The Villages border
Manufactured and mobile homes on the Leesburg side of The Villages need skirting and undercarriage sealing, a different job than a slab or crawl space house.
Leesburg through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Leesburg
Leesburg has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and winters mild enough that rodents rarely slow down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels on Lake Harris and Lake Griffin and flood burrows along the canals, pushing Norway rats 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)
Storm winds can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, and heavy rain along the chain of lakes pushes ground-level rats toward higher, drier ground, including homes.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and skirting.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and crawl spaces. This is when many Leesburg homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and skirting in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Backyard oranges and grapefruit left from Leesburg’s citrus history are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house through the winter harvest.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Leesburg Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lake and skirting
- Trim branches and citrus limbs away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks, shoreline and the space under a raised home free of clutter
- Check manufactured home skirting for gaps or damage
- 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 or under the skirting every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Leesburg
Leesburg is not one kind of property. What we do at a raised cottage near downtown is different from what we do at a block home off US 441, and different again at a manufactured home near The Villages.
Nesting Under Raised Floors
These early wood-frame cottages near downtown were built during Leesburg’s watermelon and citrus boom and sit raised on piers, which gives rats room to nest underneath and get in through gaps in the skirting and 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.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Homes built in the 1980s and 1990s, after the freezes wiped out the citrus groves that used to cover this land, are block and stucco, but 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.
Gaps in the Skirting
Manufactured and mobile homes on the Leesburg side of The Villages have a skirting panel instead of a solid foundation, and gaps or storm damage there give rats a direct route underneath the home.
Our approach: We inspect the skirting and undercarriage, repair or seal damaged sections, and trap underneath until the activity stops.
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, skirting or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Leesburg response zone
Leesburg service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are our most frequently served ZIP codes. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
3474834762347363474934789
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Lake Harris Shores · Greater Leesburg · Leesburg Historic District · Leesburg South · near The Villages border
Reviews from Leesburg customers
Customer Reviews from Leesburg
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near downtown Leesburg and sealed it the same visit. Quiet ever since.”
KP
Karen P.Leesburg, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They understood our manufactured home setup right away and fixed the gaps in the skirting. Professional and on time.”
RH
Ray H.Leesburg, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Called about noises in the attic of our home near Lake Harris Shores. They inspected, explained everything, and followed up until it was resolved.”
DM
Diane M.Leesburg, FL
Verified Leesburg rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Leesburg 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many cottages near downtown were built during Leesburg’s watermelon and citrus era and sit raised 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.
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. Manufactured and mobile homes need a different inspection than a slab or crawl space house. We check the skirting and undercarriage for gaps, repair or seal what we find, and trap underneath until activity stops.
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.
Yes. Near the chain of lakes and canals, Norway rats burrow at ground level and come in low, through garages and crawl spaces. In newer block subdivisions further from the water, roof rats are more common, coming in through the roofline and garage.
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, skirting 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 Tavares, Eustis, Mount Dora and Lady Lake. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Leesburg
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Leesburg
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Leesburg dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Leesburg 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 Leesburg 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 LeesburgLeesburg, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
