Running in the attic or ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching after dark. Roof rats move from nearby brush onto the roofline once the sun goes down.
Your local Lehigh Acres rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Lehigh Acres, FL
Lehigh Acres was platted into more than 150,000 small lots in the 1950s, and a large share still sit vacant and overgrown next to occupied homes. That mix of empty land and rooftops gives rats and mice cover right up to your door. We inspect, seal entry points, trap and clean up, with follow-up visits until the activity stops.
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 Lehigh Acres.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Lehigh Acres
Why Lehigh Acres Has a Rodent Problem Other Cities Do Not
Lehigh Acres was platted into roughly 152,000 residential lots starting in 1954, when Chicago businessman Lee Ratner and a group of partners began selling land here. The community grew faster than homes were built on it, and even decades later a large share of those lots remain vacant and overgrown, sitting right next to occupied houses. That is the biggest reason rodent calls here look different from a dense city like Fort Myers.
Roof rats and Norway rats use the brush, palmetto and tall grass on empty lots as cover, then move onto the nearest roofline or foundation when the weather turns hot, dry or stormy. We see it on 1960s and 1970s concrete block homes built in the original land rush, on homes built during the 2003 to 2007 construction boom, and on newer builds going up on lots that sat empty for 50 years.
Lehigh Acres also has a large number of rental and investor-owned homes, a pattern that took hold after the 2008 housing crash when prices here fell from a median of about $322,300 in late 2005 to about $106,900 by 2008. A home that sits vacant between tenants or sales, next to an overgrown lot, is exactly the setup rodents look for. We inspect the whole property, not just the rooms someone happens to be using.
Services available in Lehigh Acres
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Lehigh Acres
Most Lehigh Acres 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 rodent removal for Lehigh Acres homes, from original block houses to new construction on former vacant lots.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service for the retail strips and offices along Homestead Road and Lee Boulevard.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionDoor sweeps, vent screens, roofline sealing and lot line clean-up advice for Lehigh Acres properties.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalLocating and removing dead rodents and odor from walls, attics and vacant properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Lehigh Acres Home
Rodents move at night, so most Lehigh Acres 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 shed
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires, hoses or AC lines
Rats gnaw on wiring, sprinkler lines and AC insulation. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Trails through tall grass or brush
Flattened paths in the grass between a vacant lot and your foundation, shed or fence line are a common Lehigh Acres 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 Lehigh Acres Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Lehigh Acres, Norway rats burrow at ground level near vacant lots, sheds and foundations, and house mice get into kitchens, garages 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 brush on nearby lots
- 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 overgrown vacant lots
- Droppings
- Up to 3/4 inch, blunt ends
House Mouse
Mus musculus- Size
- Under 1 ounce
- Tail
- About as long as its body, thin and hairy
- Nests
- Wall voids, cabinets, garages and storage boxes
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Lehigh Acres starts with a full inspection, inside and out, including the lot line. 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 irrigation lines
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and any crawl space
- Brush, palmetto and grass along the property line, especially next to vacant lots
- 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, and it does not stop new rodents moving in from the lot next door. 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, especially for rental property
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Lehigh Acres Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the lot line. What we check depends on how the home is built and what is next door, since an original 1960s block home backing up to a vacant lot has different weak spots than a new build on a cleared lot.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Shingle and tile roof edges
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and palms touching the roof
Ground level, yard and lot line
- Pipe, AC line and irrigation openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Slab edges, foundation vents and any crawl space
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Brush, palmetto and grass along the fence or property line, especially next to vacant lots
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
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 Lehigh Acres Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time, especially with an open lot next door. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property and the lot line, 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 rodents 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 rodents are inside, how many openings the home has, and how close the nearest vacant lot is. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Lehigh Acres Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer, especially when a vacant lot sits right next door. 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, well-kept homes get rats too, especially next to an overgrown vacant lot. Rats come for shelter and cover, 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 vacant lot next door is not my problem
- Fact: Overgrown brush on a neighboring lot is one of the biggest rodent draws in Lehigh Acres. Sealing your own home still matters even if the lot next door stays uncut.
- 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 moving in from a brushy vacant lot are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch a rodent or two but leave the openings and the lot line uncut, so new rats keep moving in.
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 |
| Trails from a vacant lot | Hard to fix without sealing the home | Lot line inspection plus exclusion |
| Chewed wires or irrigation lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rental or investor-owned home | No one on site to check traps | Scheduled visits with written records |
Who we serve in Lehigh Acres
Rodent Control for Lehigh Acres Homes, Rentals and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Lehigh Acres
From original 1960s and 1970s concrete block homes to houses built during the 2003 to 2007 construction boom and new builds going up on lots that sat vacant for decades, every Lehigh Acres home has its own weak spots. We check the roofline, attic, foundation, garage and the property line, then seal the openings rodents 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.
- Original block homes
- Homes next to vacant lots
- Newer construction
- Rentals and investor-owned homes
Commercial and Rental Rodent Control in Lehigh Acres
Retail strips and offices along Homestead Road and Lee Boulevard deal with deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors propped open during business hours. We also work with landlords and property managers on the rental and investor-owned homes that became common here after the 2008 housing crash, scheduling service around tenant turnover and providing written records for your files.
- Retail and offices
- Rental homes
- Investor-owned properties
- Property managers
- Vacant or between-tenant homes
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Lehigh Acres, Property by Property
Lehigh Acres does not have the same kind of named historic districts as an older city. What matters more here is when a home was built and what is next door. Here is what we usually check first.
Homes next to vacant, overgrown lots
A large share of the roughly 152,000 lots platted here in the 1950s are still empty. Brush and tall grass on the lot next door give rodents cover right up to your fence line.
Original block homes near Lee Boulevard and Homestead Road
Older concrete block homes near the main commercial corridors often have aging roof vents, soffits and plumbing penetrations that have opened up over time.
Homes built during the 2003 to 2007 boom
More than 7,500 homes went up here in 2006 alone. Builder-grade roof vents and AC line penetrations from that era are common entry points.
New construction on formerly vacant lots
New homes going up on lots that sat empty for decades often still have brush and habitat on the surrounding parcels until the area fills in.
Homes near Harns Marsh Preserve
Properties closer to this wetland preserve on the east side of the city sit near natural marsh habitat, which pushes rodents toward the nearest rooflines and sheds.
Rental and investor-owned homes
Homes that sit vacant between tenants, common here since the 2008 housing crash brought in investor buyers, can develop rodent activity that goes unnoticed until move-in.
Lehigh Acres through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Lehigh Acres
Lehigh Acres has a humid subtropical climate with a wet season and a dry season, and winters mild enough that rodents stay active all year. The weather changes where they go more than whether they are active.
Wet season (June through September)
Daily storms make vacant lots and marsh-adjacent areas green up fast, giving rodents thicker cover and pushing ground-level rats toward higher, drier spots like garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain and wind can flood low-lying vacant lots and damage roofing, which pushes rodents out of the brush and opens new gaps for them to use.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check for lifted shingles or vents.
Dry season (December through April)
As vacant lots and marsh edges dry out, rodents move toward homes that still have water, shade and food. This is when many homeowners first hear activity in the attic.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in early fall, before the dry season pushes rodents indoors.
Lot mowing season
Uncut vacant lots grow fastest in the wet season. A neighboring lot that has not been mowed in months is often the first place we look during an inspection.
Tip: If an adjacent lot is overgrown and owned by an out-of-state investor, Lee County code enforcement can often be asked to have it mowed.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Lehigh Acres Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in from the lot next door.
Yard and lot line
- Keep grass and brush cut back along the fence or property line
- Pick up fallen fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds, woodpiles and storage areas off the ground
- Report an overgrown neighboring lot to Lee County code enforcement
- 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, especially if a lot nearby is vacant
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Lehigh Acres
Lehigh Acres is not one kind of property. What we do at a home backed up to a vacant lot is different from what we do at a rental between tenants.
Rodents Moving In From the Lot Next Door
Brush and tall grass on an unmowed vacant lot give rats and mice cover right up to the property line, and they move onto the nearest roof or foundation for shelter.
Our approach: We inspect the lot line and exterior first, seal the roofline and foundation gaps we find, then trap and set a plan for ongoing checks.
Aging Roof Vents and Plumbing Gaps
Older concrete block homes near Lee Boulevard and Homestead Road often have roof vents, soffits and plumbing penetrations that have widened or come loose over the decades.
Our approach: We check the roofline and every penetration point, then seal with metal flashing and hardware cloth before trapping.
Activity That Goes Unnoticed Between Tenants
A home that sits vacant between tenants or sales, especially next to an uncut lot, can develop a rodent problem that no one catches until move-in day.
Our approach: We offer scheduled exterior-focused inspections and sealing for landlords and property managers, with written documentation for your records.
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 Lehigh Acres response zone
Lehigh Acres service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Lehigh Acres spans 7 ZIP codes across eastern Lee County. These are the ones we serve. Call if you are not sure yours is covered.
33936339703397133972339733397433976
Areas we serve
Check my address →
All of Lehigh Acres, from the Homestead Road and Lee Boulevard corridor to the areas near Harns Marsh Preserve and out toward the Gateway and Buckingham lines.
Reviews from Lehigh Acres customers
Customer Reviews from Lehigh Acres
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“We had rats getting in from the empty lot next door. The team sealed the gaps they found and checked back until the noise in the attic stopped.”
RM
Rick M.Lehigh Acres, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I manage a few rental homes in Lehigh Acres and they handled the inspections between tenants without me having to be on site every time.”
DP
Denise P.Lehigh Acres, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Professional and on time. They explained where the rodents were getting in and what it would take to keep them out for good.”
TW
Travis W.Lehigh Acres, FL
Verified Lehigh Acres rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Lehigh Acres 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. Homes next to a vacant, overgrown lot can take a bit longer since rodents keep pressing in from outside. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Lehigh Acres was platted into about 152,000 lots in the 1950s, and a large share are still vacant and overgrown decades later. That brush gives rats and mice cover right next to occupied homes, which is different from a more built-out city.
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.
Yes. We work with landlords and property managers on rental and investor-owned homes, a common setup here since the 2008 housing downturn brought in investor buyers. We can schedule around tenant turnover and provide written documentation for your records.
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 Fort Myers, San Carlos Park, North Fort Myers and Villas. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Lehigh Acres
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Lehigh Acres
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Lehigh Acres dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Lehigh Acres Home, Rental or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Lehigh Acres 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 Lehigh AcresLehigh Acres, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
