Running along a fence or seawall
Quick movement along a canal bank or fence line after dark is a common sign of Norway rats moving between yards.
Your local Margate rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Margate, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the garage wall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Margate homes and businesses, from the canal-front lots around Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake to the original block homes of Coral Bay and the attached villas of Paradise Gardens. 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 Margate.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Margate
Why Margate Has Rats and Mice Year-Round
Margate was built out fast in the 1950s and 1960s as one of the first big suburban developments in western Broward County, and it is laced with residential canals and lakes that were dug as part of that original drainage plan. Warm weather all year and water within a few blocks of almost every house mean rodents never get a slow season here.
Norway rats are the rodent we remove most in Margate. They stay near ground level and water, so we find them along the seawalls and canal banks behind homes in Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake, in landscaping around Calypso Cove and the City Hall corridor, and in garages and sheds throughout the older subdivisions near Coral Bay.
Roof rats show up more in neighborhoods with mature trees and tile roofs, climbing from branches onto the roofline and into soffit gaps. In the attached villas and duplex-style homes of 55-plus communities like Paradise Gardens, a rat that gets into one shared attic space or party wall can move between several units, so we check the whole building, not just one address.
Services available in Margate
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Margate
Most Margate 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 canal-bank rat removal for Margate homes, from Coral Bay to Village on the Lake.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along Margate Boulevard and State Road 7.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use around canal banks, garages and attics, checked on return visits.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, dock and seawall 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, roof edge sealing and canal-bank landscaping advice for Margate properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Margate Home
Rodents move at night, so most Margate 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.
Disturbed mulch or landscaping
Norway rats dig burrows near dense landscaping and along canal banks. Fresh dirt piles near a wall or hedge are a clue.
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 Margate Home?
Norway rats cause most of the canal-bank and garage calls we get in Margate, roof rats show up more in neighborhoods with mature trees and tile roofs, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries anywhere in the city. Knowing which one you have tells us where to look and how to stop it.
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows along canal banks, under sheds and near dense landscaping
- Droppings
- About 3/4 inch, blunt ends
Roof Rat
Rattus rattus- Size
- 1/2 to 1 pound
- Tail
- Longer than its head and body
- Nests
- Attics, roof spaces and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed 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 Margate 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
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock areas behind waterfront lots
- Garage door seals and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and shared walls in attached villas
- Trees, hedges and vines touching the roof or fence line
- 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 Margate Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on the home, since a waterfront lot and an attached 55-plus villa have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including original construction from the 1960s and 1970s
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Shared attic space and party walls in attached villas and duplexes
Ground level, yard and canal bank
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, dock posts and canal-bank burrows on waterfront lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Screened patio and pool cage frame gaps
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 Margate 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 canal bank, 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, a real concern near canal banks and after standing water from heavy rain.
Salmonellosis
Food and counters touched by rodents or their droppings can carry salmonella bacteria.
Rat-bite fever
Spread by bites or scratches, or by handling rodents. Always use gloves or tools, never bare hands.
Fleas and mites
Rodents carry fleas and mites that can move to pets and people after the rodents are gone.
Fire and water damage
Chewed wires can start fires, and chewed water or AC lines can cause leaks inside walls.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Margate Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Rats stay near the canal and will not come inside
- Fact: Norway rats travel from canal banks into garages, sheds and attics looking for food and shelter, especially after heavy rain.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: Newer homes and attached villas in 55-plus communities get rats too, often through shared attic space or party walls.
- 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: 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: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic or yard. 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 along a canal bank or in a shared 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 the canal, a neighbor’s yard or nearby landscaping.
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 |
| Burrows along a seawall or canal bank | Hard to identify and treat safely | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
| Rats in a shared villa attic | One unit’s fix does not stop the others | Whole-building inspection and sealing |
| 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 |
Who we serve in Margate
Rodent Control for Margate Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Margate
From canal-front lots near Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake to attached villas in Paradise Gardens and original block homes around Coral Bay, each Margate property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, yard and canal bank, 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.
- Canal-front homes
- 55-plus villas
- Block homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Margate
Shops, restaurants and offices along Margate Boulevard, Atlantic Boulevard and State Road 7 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
- HOA and condo boards
- 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, board or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Shared-building coordination
For condo and villa communities, we can inspect a whole building or block, not just one unit.
How Margate homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Margate Home
Margate was largely built out from the late 1950s through the 1970s, with newer development and 55-plus communities added later. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Original block homes (Coral Bay and central Margate)
- Single-story block-and-stucco homes built during Margate’s original 1950s and 1960s development
- Aging soffits, fascia boards and roof vents from original construction
- Garage door corners and bottom seals worn from decades of use
- Overgrown hedges and trees planted close to the house
- Older sheds and detached garages with gaps at the base
Canal-front homes and 55-plus villas
- Waterfront lots along the canals near Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake, where Norway rats burrow into seawalls and banks
- Attached villas and duplex-style homes in 55-plus communities like Paradise Gardens, where rats can move between units through shared attics or party walls
- Screened patio and pool cage frames used as a path to the roof
- Dock posts, seawall caps and dense waterfront landscaping
- Shared HOA common areas, dumpster corrals and clubhouse buildings
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Margate, Area by Area
Margate has a mix of original subdivisions, canal-front streets and newer communities. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Coral Bay
One of Margate’s original single-family neighborhoods, with block homes from the 1960s and 1970s. We focus on soffits, roof vents and aging garage seals.
Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake
Canal-front and lakefront homes. Norway rats burrow along seawalls and banks, so we check the waterline as closely as the roofline.
Paradise Gardens and the Oriole Golf and Tennis Club area
55-plus communities with attached villas and homes bordering the golf course. Shared attics and party walls mean one unit’s rat problem can spread to the next.
City Hall and Calypso Cove corridor
Retail and civic buildings along Margate Boulevard near City Hall and Calypso Cove. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
North Margate near Coconut Creek
Newer development close to the Coconut Creek line. Fewer old entry points, but landscaping and canal spurs still bring rodents through.
State Road 7 business corridor
Shopping plazas and offices along State Road 7. We handle recurring commercial visits with the documentation a manager or health inspector wants to see.
Margate through the year
How Margate Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Margate’s climate is warm enough year-round that rodents stay active every month, but the weather still changes where they go and how visible they are.
Rainy season and canal flooding
Summer downpours raise canal and lake levels around Margate, flooding burrows near the water and pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor during heavy rain.
Broward’s April 2023 flood emergency
The historic April 2023 storm that led Broward County to declare a state of emergency flooded low-lying yards and canal banks across the county. Flooding like that pushes rodents out of burrows and into nearby homes and garages.
Tip: After major flooding, check the garage floor line and any ground-level vents.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and garages. This is when many Margate homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Tropical storms bring the same kind of canal and low-yard flooding on a bigger scale, and storm damage to soffits and roof vents can open new entry points.
Tip: After any named storm, walk the roofline and check for new gaps.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Margate Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal bank and garage
- Keep vegetation trimmed back from seawalls and canal banks
- Pick up fallen fruit and cover compost bins
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep dock areas and the space under sheds free of clutter
- Store yard and pool gear off the floor
- 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 Margate
Margate is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home is different from what we do at an attached 55-plus villa or an original block home.
Norway Rats Along the Water
Homes backing onto Margate’s canals and lakes give Norway rats a place to burrow into seawalls and banks, close to garages and patios.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall, dock and bank area, then seal ground-level gaps and set traps along the paths rats use to reach the house.
Shared Attics and Party Walls
Attached villa-style homes share attic space or a common wall, so a rat that gets into one unit can move into the next without ever going outside.
Our approach: We inspect the shared attic and party wall line, seal the common entry points we find, and coordinate timing with the HOA or property manager when more than one unit is affected.
Aging Soffits and Roof Vents
Block homes built during Margate’s original development now have decades-old soffits, fascia boards and vent screens that have started to gap or rot.
Our approach: We check the roofline and vents first, then reseal with metal flashing and hardware cloth so the repair lasts.
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 Margate response zone
Margate service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Margate spans several ZIP codes across Broward County. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city. Call if you do not see yours.
3306333065330683307333093
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Coral Bay · Paradise Gardens · Oriole Golf and Tennis Club · Lakes of Carolina · Village on the Lake · City Hall and Calypso Cove corridor
Reviews from Margate customers
Customer Reviews from Margate
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap where rats were getting into our garage near the canal and sealed it the same visit. Nothing since.”
JD
John D.Margate, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We share a wall with our neighbor in a 55-plus community and they were the only company willing to check both units. Professional and thorough.”
SM
Sarah M.Margate, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knowledgeable about the local area and offered a real plan instead of just setting a few traps and leaving.”
TL
Tom L.Margate, FL
Verified Margate rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Margate 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.
Norway rats burrow into seawalls and canal banks for shelter near water and food. Homes along canals in areas like Lakes of Carolina and Village on the Lake often see rats move from the bank into garages and yards, especially after heavy rain raises the water level.
Yes. Attached villas and duplex-style homes in communities like Paradise Gardens often share attic space or a party wall, so a rat problem in one unit can spread to the next. We can inspect more than one unit or coordinate with an HOA or property manager when that is the case.
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 historic April 2023 storm that led Broward County to declare a state of emergency flooded low-lying yards and canal banks across the county, including parts of Margate. Flooding like that pushes rodents out of burrows and toward higher, drier ground, which often means someone’s garage or attic.
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 Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, North Lauderdale and Tamarac. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Margate
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Margate
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Margate dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Margate 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 Margate 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 MargateMargate, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
