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 Merritt Island rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Merritt Island, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes and businesses across Merritt Island, from the canal-front properties on Newfound Harbor Drive and North Banana River Drive to the block homes in Central and South Merritt Island. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents already inside.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5From local customers
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Merritt Island.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Merritt Island
Why Merritt Island Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Merritt Island is a barrier island peninsula between the Indian River and the Banana River in Brevard County, with more water inside its borders than land. Canals, seawalls and thick native vegetation give rodents shelter close to almost every home, and mild winters mean they never go dormant.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. They travel through oaks, palms and power lines in older neighborhoods around Central Merritt Island, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. In North Merritt Island, homes back up to the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and open land near Kennedy Space Center, so rodents move in straight from the brush.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along the seawalls and canal banks on Newfound Harbor Drive and North Banana River Drive, around docks near Sykes Creek, and in garages in the block-and-stucco homes across South Merritt Island toward Dragon Point. Every part of the island has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Merritt Island
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Merritt Island
Most Merritt Island jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic and crawl space rat removal for Merritt Island homes, from canal-front houses on Newfound Harbor Drive to newer homes in South Merritt Island.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along the Central Merritt Island corridor and near Merritt Square Mall.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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Merritt Island homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Merritt Island Home
Rodents move at night, so most Merritt Island 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.
Grease marks along a seawall or dock
Dark rub marks where Norway rats travel the same path along a canal seawall or dock piling night after night.
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 Merritt Island Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls on Merritt Island, Norway rats show up along canal seawalls, docks and garages, and house mice get into kitchens 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 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 seawalls, docks, sheds and slabs
- 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 on Merritt Island 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
- Seawalls, docks and canal-side landscaping
- 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 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 Merritt Island Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the waterline. What we check depends on how close the home sits to a canal or the refuge, since a Newfound Harbor Drive waterfront lot and a Central Merritt Island block home have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including salt-air corrosion on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches, palms and power lines touching the roof
- Screen enclosure frames used as a ladder to the roof
Ground level, dock and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, canal banks and dock pilings for burrows
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Boat lifts and gear stored near the water
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 Merritt Island Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water near a canal bank 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 Merritt Island Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only homes near the water get rats
- Fact: Central and South Merritt Island homes get rats too. Rats come for shelter and fruit trees as much as for the canal.
- 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 dock 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 along a canal seawall or 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 the refuge, the canal or nearby oaks.
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 burrowing along a seawall | Hard to reach and treat safely | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Merritt Island
Rodent Control for Merritt Island Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Merritt Island
From canal-front homes on Newfound Harbor Drive and North Banana River Drive to block-and-stucco homes in South Merritt Island near Dragon Point, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, seawall, 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.
- Canal and waterfront homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
- Homes near the refuge
Commercial Rodent Control in Merritt Island
Shops and restaurants along the Central Merritt Island corridor near Merritt Square Mall, and marinas and waterfront businesses along the causeways, deal with daily deliveries, 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
- Marinas and waterfront businesses
- Offices
- 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 Merritt Island homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Merritt Island Home
Merritt Island has homes from 1950s and 60s Space Race-era construction to newer builds. The way a house is built and how close it sits to water tells us where to look first.
Waterfront and canal-front homes
- Homes on Newfound Harbor Drive and North Banana River Drive with seawalls and docks
- Norway rats burrow along the bank and travel dock pilings
- Screen enclosures and boat lifts used as a ladder to the roof
- Salt air corrosion on soffit screens and vent covers
- Mature oaks and palms overhanging the roof
Inland block and stucco homes
- Block-and-stucco homes across Central and South Merritt Island
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- North Merritt Island homes bordering the wildlife refuge, where rodents move in straight from open land
- Queen palms and lanai frames used as a ladder to the roof
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Merritt Island, Area by Area
Merritt Island runs about 46 miles from the Volusia County line to Dragon Point near Melbourne, and each stretch of the island is different. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
North Merritt Island
Rural properties bordering the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge and Kennedy Space Center. Rodents, and occasionally the area’s feral pigs, move onto properties straight from the brush.
Newfound Harbor Drive and North Banana River Drive
Upscale waterfront homes with docks and seawalls. Norway rats burrow along the bank and travel to garages and pool enclosures.
Central Merritt Island
The main commercial corridor between State Road 528 and State Road 520, with shops near Merritt Square Mall. We run scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
South Merritt Island and Dragon Point
Larger waterfront estates on the southern tip of the island, along with block-and-stucco neighborhoods further inland. Both roof rats and Norway rats show up here.
Sykes Creek
Homes and marinas along the creek that splits the island north to south. Docks and boat storage areas are common rat travel routes.
The SR 520 and SR 528 causeway corridors
Properties near the causeways to Cocoa and Rockledge to the west, and toward Titusville and Kennedy Space Center to the north, see steady rat activity where landscaping meets the road.
Merritt Island through the year
How Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity on Merritt Island
Merritt Island’s climate stays mild enough that rodents never fully slow down, but hurricane season and the rainy summer months change where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms flood burrows along the Indian River, Banana River and canal banks, 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)
As a barrier island peninsula surrounded by the Indian River, Banana River and Mosquito Lagoon, Merritt Island sees storm surge and wind damage during hurricane season. Hurricane Irma in 2017 overloaded a sewage lift station near the Pineda Causeway. Storm surge pushes rodents out of burrows and toward homes, and damaged soffits give them a way in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and any seawall damage.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Merritt Island homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Merritt Island has grown citrus since the 1800s, and backyard oranges and grapefruit are still an easy meal for roof rats today.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Merritt Island Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and boat storage areas free of clutter
- Store fishing and boat gear off the ground
- 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 Merritt Island
Merritt Island is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home on Newfound Harbor Drive is different from what we do at a block home near Merritt Square Mall.
Norway Rats Along the Seawall
Canal-front homes give Norway rats a place to burrow along the seawall and a clear path across the dock to the garage.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and dock, then bait and seal the ground-level openings we find at the garage and screen enclosure.
Rodents Moving In From Open Land
Homes bordering the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge sit next to acres of undeveloped brush, so rodents have easy access straight to the property line.
Our approach: We check the perimeter and roofline first, seal every gap we find, then set traps close to the tree line before moving indoors.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Block-and-stucco homes away from the water still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
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 Merritt Island response zone
Merritt Island service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Merritt Island has 3 ZIP codes. We cover the whole island, north to south, plus the surrounding Brevard County mainland. Call if you do not see yours.
329523295332954
Areas we serve
Check my address →
North Merritt Island · Central Merritt Island · South Merritt Island · Newfound Harbor Drive · North Banana River Drive · Sykes Creek · Dragon Point
Reviews from Merritt Island customers
Customer Reviews from Merritt Island
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at our Merritt Island home. They were prompt and thorough, and we haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Merritt Island, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. They found where the rats were getting in along the seawall and sealed it up.”
SM
Sarah M.Merritt Island, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for our rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Merritt Island, FL
Verified Merritt Island rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Merritt Island 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.
Seawalls and canal banks give Norway rats a dry place to burrow close to the water, and docks and screen enclosures give them a path to the house. We inspect the seawall and dock along with the roofline and seal what we find.
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.
Homes bordering the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge do see more rodent pressure since there is open land right at the property line. Sealing entry points still works, it just needs to be done thoroughly and checked again after storms.
Often, yes. As a barrier island peninsula, Merritt Island is exposed to storm surge and high winds during hurricane season, which can flood burrows near the water and open new gaps in soffits and roofs. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline and seawall checked.
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 Rockledge, Titusville, Melbourne and Port St. John. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Merritt Island
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Merritt Island
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Merritt Island dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Merritt Island 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 Merritt Island 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 Merritt IslandMerritt Island, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
