Running in the ceiling or soffit
Quick footsteps or scratching after dark, especially in older block homes with open soffit vents.
Your local Leisure City rodent control team
Rodent Control in Leisure City
Roof rats in the citrus tree, mice in a rental duplex, or rats along the Turnpike side of your property. We inspect, seal the entry points and trap until the activity stops, with EPA and FDACS certified technicians who know this corner of South Miami-Dade.
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 Leisure City.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Leisure City
Why Leisure City Has Rats Year-Round
Leisure City was platted in the 1920s as roughly 2,300 acres of farmland and marketed to retirees, many of them former servicemembers from the old Homestead Air Force Base. It grew into an unincorporated Miami-Dade community of about 6,000 homes, wedged between Homestead to the south and east, Naranja to the north, and the Redland farmland to the northwest. That mix of old farmland, working-class rental housing and open agricultural edges is exactly what keeps roof rats active here all year.
U.S. Route 1 runs along the northwest side of Leisure City and the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike runs along the southeast side, with Exits 2 and 5 both inside the community. Homes closest to the Redland edge deal with roof rats moving in from groves and irrigation canals. Homes and rental duplexes closer to US 1 and the Turnpike see more Norway rats and house mice around dumpsters, storage sheds and older block construction. Leisure City is more than half renter-occupied, so we work with both homeowners and landlords who need a problem solved fast between tenants.
Services available in Leisure City
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Leisure City
Most Leisure City 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 yard rat removal for Leisure City homes, from older retiree-era block homes to newer rental duplexes.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for produce stands, packing areas and shops along US 1.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats and mice use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall, ceiling or crawl space? 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, 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 Leisure City properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Leisure City Home
Rodents move at night, so most Leisure City 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 carport
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice.
Chewed wires or irrigation lines
Rats gnaw on wiring and drip irrigation lines near the yard. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Half-eaten fruit in the yard
Hollowed mangoes, avocados or citrus still on the tree or fallen in the grass are a classic roof rat sign here.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, attics and storage sheds.
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 Leisure City Home?
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Leisure City, moving in from citrus and avocado trees and the farmland edge near the Redland. Norway rats turn up along canals, dumpsters and older slab foundations, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in both houses and rental duplexes. 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, fruit 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, canals and irrigation ditches
- 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 Leisure City 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, carport edges and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and storage sheds
- Fruit 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 mortar. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and 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, which also helps landlords document repairs for tenants
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Leisure City 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 and 60s retiree-era block home and a newer rental duplex have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including older homes rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where the roofline meets carport or addition walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Fruit trees and branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners, carport edges and bottom seals
- Slab foundations, sheds and storage areas
- Fence lines and the yard edge nearest to open farmland or a canal
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
- Trash and recycling storage for multi-unit rentals
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 Leisure City 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, and we can send a written summary to a landlord or property manager.
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 in canals and low yards 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 AC or irrigation lines can cause leaks inside walls or yards.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Leisure City Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older or run-down homes get rats
- Fact: Well-kept homes near the Redland edge get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just clutter.
- 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 or a neighboring unit. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: It is the landlord’s problem, not mine, if I rent
- Fact: Florida landlord-tenant law expects both sides to report and address pest issues quickly. We can work directly with a property manager or tenant to get it fixed.
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 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 farmland, canals or a neighboring rental.
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 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 property between tenants | No one is there to check traps | Scheduled service with a written report |
Who we serve in Leisure City
Rodent Control for Leisure City Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Leisure City
From retiree-era block homes built or rebuilt after Hurricane Andrew to newer rental duplexes near US 1, each Leisure City home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, 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.
- Retiree-era block homes
- Rental duplexes
- Homes bordering farmland
- Mobile and manufactured homes
Commercial Rodent Control in Leisure City
Produce stands, packing areas and shops along US 1 deal with daily deliveries, open loading areas and shared dumpsters. We understand the pressure that comes from being next to South Miami-Dade’s agricultural belt.
- Produce stands
- Packing and storage areas
- Retail shops
- 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.
Loading area and dumpster sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Storage and trash advice
Simple changes to storage and trash areas that make your site less attractive to rats.
Renting in Leisure City
Rodent Control for Rentals and Landlords
More than half of Leisure City households rent, so a lot of our calls come from tenants and property managers, not just homeowners. Here is how we make that work.
For tenants
- We can coordinate access with you directly or through your landlord
- You get a written report of what we found and what was sealed
- We tell you if the problem is coming from a shared wall or attic space
- Florida law expects landlords to keep a rental fit to live in, and a pest report can help document that
For landlords and property managers
- Scheduled service across multiple duplex or rental units on one visit
- Written reports you can keep on file or share with a tenant
- Sealing done between move-outs, before a new tenant moves in
- Direct billing and flexible scheduling for property managers with several Leisure City addresses
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Leisure City, Side by Side
Leisure City is small, but different edges of the community face different pressure. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Along US 1, the northwest edge
Higher traffic, more commercial buildings and dumpsters. Norway rats and house mice are the more common calls here.
The Turnpike corridor near Exits 2 and 5
Homes and businesses along the Homestead Extension of Florida’s Turnpike see rats moving along the fence lines and drainage swales next to the road.
Toward the Redland, the northwest farmland edge
Roof rats move in from groves and fields. Fruit trees and irrigation canals close to the house mean steady pressure here.
Along the Homestead line, south and east
Leisure City blends into Homestead here. We treat both sides of that line the same way, since rodents do not stop at a boundary.
Near Naranja, the north edge
A mix of older single-family homes and newer construction. We check soffits and roof vents first in this area.
The Modello area, near Coral Castle
Older homes near this well-known landmark often have original soffits and vents that were never upgraded, a common entry point.
Leisure City through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity Here
Leisure City has a tropical climate with about 62 inches of rain a year and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather and the farm calendar next door change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September flood low fields and drainage canals near the Redland edge, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage and shed doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Andrew hit this area directly in 1992, and much of Leisure City was rebuilt in the years after. Storms still push rodents out of fields and burrows and into homes, and wind damage can open new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the house and check the roofline for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and wall voids. This is when many Leisure City homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Grove harvest season
Avocado and citrus harvest in the Redland groves runs mostly from fall through spring. Fallen and hauled fruit near property lines is an easy meal that keeps roof rats close to homes on the farm edge.
Tip: Pick backyard fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Leisure City Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Trim branches and fruit trees away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds, carports and canal-side yards free of clutter
- Store gear and equipment off the ground
- Close garage and shed 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, especially in multi-unit rentals
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, or ask your landlord to
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Leisure City
Leisure City is not one kind of property. What we do at an older retiree-era home is different from what we do at a rental duplex or a property on the farmland edge.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Many homes here were built or repaired after Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and decades later, soffits, vents and roof edges have gaps that were never fully sealed.
Our approach: We inspect the full roofline and attic, then seal every gap we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth, not foam.
Shared Walls and Tenant Turnover
With more than half of Leisure City renting, activity in one unit or a shared attic space often affects the unit next door, and a change in tenants can delay reporting.
Our approach: We schedule service directly with property managers, provide written reports, and can seal and trap between move-outs so problems do not carry over to the next tenant.
Roof Rats Moving in From the Fields
Homes closest to the agricultural land northwest of Leisure City face steady pressure from roof rats living in groves, fields and irrigation canals.
Our approach: We focus exclusion work on the field-facing side of the property and set exterior bait stations along that fence line, in addition to the standard attic and roofline work.
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 Leisure City response zone
Leisure City service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Leisure City sits mainly in ZIP 33033. We also cover the neighboring Homestead-area ZIPs. Call if you do not see yours.
33033330303303233034
Areas we serve
Check my address →
US 1 corridor · Turnpike Exits 2 and 5 · Modello · Naranja border · Redland edge · Homestead border
Reviews from Leisure City customers
Customer Reviews from Leisure City
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where the rats were getting in near our garage and sealed it up the same visit. Haven’t heard anything since.”
MR
Maria R.Leisure City, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I manage a couple of rental units here and they worked directly with me on scheduling and sent a report I could keep on file. Made it easy.”
DP
David P.Leisure City, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We live close to the farmland and always had rats in the mango tree. They explained why and sealed the attic vents too. No more noise at night.”
LG
Luis G.Leisure City, FL
Verified Leisure City rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Leisure City 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.
The farmland and groves northwest of Leisure City give roof rats food and shelter, and they move toward the closest houses when fields are harvested or irrigated. Sealing the roofline and trimming fruit trees near the house makes a real difference here.
Yes. We work with tenants and landlords every week, since more than half of Leisure City households rent. We can coordinate access with you or your property manager and provide a written report either of you can keep on file.
Indirectly, yes. Hurricane Andrew hit Leisure City and Homestead directly in 1992, and most of the area was rebuilt or repaired in the years that followed. Decades later, soffits, vents and roof edges on some of those homes have gaps that were never fully sealed, which is one of the first things we check.
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.
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 Homestead, Florida City, Princeton and Cutler Bay. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Leisure City
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Leisure City
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Leisure City dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Leisure City 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 Leisure City 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 Leisure CityLeisure City, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
