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 Longwood rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Longwood, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the garage wall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Longwood homes and businesses, from the century-old houses near the Historic District to newer construction off County Road 427 and SR 434. 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 Longwood.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Longwood
Why Longwood’s Older Homes Attract Rodents Year-Round
Longwood is the oldest city in Seminole County, incorporated in 1878 as a stop on the first rail line between Sanford and Orlando. That history means the city has a real mix of building ages, from 1870s and 1880s homes near the Historic District to postwar houses and newer subdivisions off County Road 427 and near I-4. Different ages of construction mean different ways rats and mice get inside.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Longwood. Mature oaks throughout the older parts of town put branches within jumping distance of rooflines, and the rats travel limb to limb before dropping onto a roof and working into a soffit gap, a gable vent or a spot where a roofline meets a chimney or porch addition. Homes near the Historic District, many built well before central air conditioning, often have older vents, older soffit wood and gaps around additions that give roof rats an easy way in.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground. We find them in garages and sheds in the newer block-and-stucco subdivisions off SR 434 and County Road 427, around dumpsters at shopping plazas along US 17-92, and in landscaping near retention ponds in the Wekiva Springs and Sanlando Springs neighborhoods. House mice show up everywhere, from historic cottages to new construction, usually in kitchens, pantries and garages. We inspect every home as its own job, since a 19th-century frame house and a 2010s block home have very different weak spots.
Services available in Longwood
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Longwood
Most Longwood 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, soffit and crawl space rat removal for Longwood homes, from Historic District cottages to newer subdivisions off SR 434.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along US 17-92 and near the Historic District.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use and checked on return visits until the activity stops.Learn More →
Dead Rodent RemovalBad smell in a wall or ceiling? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics and garages, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and follow product labels around kids and pets.Learn More →
Rodent ExclusionWe seal soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and garage corners with metal and mortar so rats cannot get back in.Learn More →
Rodent Feces RemovalCareful cleanup of droppings with disinfectant, never sweeping or vacuuming, which can spread germs.Learn More →
Rodent ProofingDoor sweeps, vent screens, soffit sealing and tree trimming advice for Longwood homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Longwood Home
Rodents move at night, so most Longwood 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.
Gnawed fruit or bird feeders
Hollowed citrus in the yard or scattered seed under a feeder are common roof rat signs in Longwood’s oak-shaded yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Longwood Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Longwood, Norway rats turn up in garages, sheds and near retention ponds, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in homes of every age. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, soffits, oak canopies 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 sheds, slabs and along retention pond banks
- 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 Longwood 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, pier and beam gaps on older homes
- Oak limbs, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Longwood 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 an 1880s frame house near the Historic District and a 2010s block home 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
- Spots where additions meet the original roofline
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and vines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Pier-and-beam gaps and skirting on older homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Retention pond banks and landscaping beds
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 Longwood 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 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 Longwood 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 old, run-down homes get rats
- Fact: Well-kept homes near the Historic District and new construction off SR 434 both get rats. Oak canopies, fruit trees and water draw them in, not clutter alone.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic 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 and yards.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats under a pier-and-beam home | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and pier sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Longwood
Rodent Control for Longwood Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Longwood
From 1870s and 1880s frame homes near the Historic District to block-and-stucco houses in newer subdivisions off County Road 427, each Longwood home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, foundation, 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 homes
- Lakefront and pond-side homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Longwood
Shops and restaurants along US 17-92 and near the Historic District 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 Longwood homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Longwood Home
Longwood has homes from the 1870s through today. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near the Historic District
- Frame homes from the 1870s and 1880s, some raised on piers, typical of Florida construction from before central air conditioning
- Gaps in skirting, missing crawl space vents and rotted sill boards
- Old soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Additions where rooflines meet at odd angles, leaving gaps
- Mature oaks that touch the roof
Newer homes: block, stucco and tile
- Block-and-stucco homes in subdivisions off County Road 427 and near I-4
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and screen enclosure frames
- Landscaping near retention ponds used as cover to approach the house
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Longwood, Area by Area
Longwood is a small city with a real mix of old and new. Here is what we usually check first in each part of town.
Longwood Historic District
Homes from the 1870s and 1880s near the intersection of SR 434 and County Road 427, listed on the National Register since 1990. Older soffits, skirting and roofline additions are the usual entry points.
Wekiva Springs and Sanlando Springs (32779)
Wooded lots and mature landscaping in these neighborhoods give roof rats a path from the tree canopy straight onto the roof.
Along US 17-92 and SR 434
Shopping plazas and restaurants with shared dumpsters. Norway rats gather at ground level here, and we set up scheduled commercial service with written logs.
Subdivisions off County Road 427 and near I-4
Newer block-and-stucco homes with tile roofs and pool enclosures. Roof edges, AC line gaps and garage corners are the usual entry points.
Longwood through the year
How Seasons Affect Rodent Control in Longwood
Longwood has a humid subtropical climate with mild winters that never really stop rodent activity. The weather changes where rats go more than whether they are active.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels around retention ponds and low yards, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian brought historic flooding across Seminole County in September 2022. Heavy rain and downed limbs push rodents out of yards and into homes, and storm-damaged soffits give them a way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Longwood homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit and bird feeder season
Backyard citrus and full bird feeders in the older, well-landscaped neighborhoods are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and store bird seed in a sealed container.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Longwood Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim oak branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus daily during fruit season
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds and storage areas off the ground and free of clutter
- Clear landscaping away from retention pond banks near the house
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the home
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in the attic and garage, not cardboard
- Take trash out at night and keep lids closed
- Look in the attic every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Longwood
Longwood is not one kind of house. What we do at a 19th-century frame home near the Historic District is different from what we do at a block home off County Road 427.
Roofline and Foundation Gaps on Older Construction
Frame homes from the 1870s and 1880s near the Historic District often have older soffit wood, unscreened attic vents and, on some raised homes, open pier-and-beam skirting that gives rats a dry place to nest.
Our approach: We inspect the soffits, vents and any crawl space or skirting, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap until activity stops.
Oak Canopy Access to the Roof
Wooded lots and mature oak trees in these neighborhoods put branches within jumping distance of the roof, giving roof rats an easy path from the canopy to the attic.
Our approach: We check the roofline where branches come close, seal soffit and vent gaps, and advise on trimming limbs back from the house.
Garage and Retention Pond Access
Newer block homes still get rats through garage door corners, AC line openings and landscaping along retention pond banks that gives ground-level rodents cover to approach the house.
Our approach: We check the garage and yard first, then seal the ground-level 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 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 Longwood response zone
Longwood service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Longwood uses 2 ZIP codes. We cover the whole city and the surrounding Seminole County area. Call if you do not see yours.
3275032779
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Longwood Historic District · Wekiva Springs · Sanlando Springs · The Springs · areas along US 17-92 and SR 434 · subdivisions off County Road 427
Reviews from Longwood customers
Customer Reviews from Longwood
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did a thorough job on my Longwood home. They found where the rats were getting in and I have not heard anything in the attic since.”
KH
Karen H.Longwood, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Prompt, professional, and they explained everything they were doing. Appreciated the follow-up visit to make sure the traps had worked.”
DR
Dan R.Longwood, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knowledgeable team that knew exactly what to look for on an older home. Highly recommend for anyone near the historic district.”
ML
Maria L.Longwood, FL
Verified Longwood rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Longwood Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Many homes near the Longwood Historic District date to the 1870s and 1880s, before central air conditioning. Older soffits, unscreened vents and gaps where additions meet the original roofline give rats an easy way in. 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.
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.
Most homeowners policies do not cover damage caused by rodents, since insurers treat it as a maintenance issue rather than a sudden loss. Some policies do cover a fire caused by chewed wiring. Check your policy, and ask us for a written description of any damage we find 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 Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary and Winter Springs. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Longwood
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Longwood
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Longwood dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Longwood 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 Longwood 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 LongwoodLongwood, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
