Running above the ceiling
Quick footsteps or scratching after dark, in a roofline, a drop ceiling or a condo’s utility chase. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Miami Beach rodent control team
Rodent Control in Miami Beach
Miami Beach sits on a barrier island between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, and its Art Deco buildings, condo towers and canal-front homes all face rats and mice in different ways. We inspect, seal entry points, trap and clean up, with follow-up visits until the activity stops.
12 yearsIn businessServing Florida since 2014
4.9 / 5327 customer reviews
24/7Emergency serviceNights, weekends, holidays
EPA & FDACSCertified teamFL Dept. of Agriculture
Rodent problem right now? Our team is taking calls in Miami Beach.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Miami Beach
Why Miami Beach Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Miami Beach is a barrier island city between the Atlantic Ocean and Biscayne Bay, with canals cutting through Sunset Islands, Venetian Islands and the Palm and Hibiscus Islands. Warm weather all year, dense landscaping and buildings packed close together mean rats never get a slow season here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Miami Beach. In the Art Deco Historic District and the low-rise apartment buildings of South Beach, they travel along power lines, ficus hedges and royal palms, then get in through roof parapets, old window frames and gaps around AC sleeves. In the condo towers of Mid-Beach and North Beach, they climb landscaping and balconies and enter through utility chases, garage doors and gaps around building risers.
Norway rats stay near the ground and water. We find them along seawalls on Sunset Islands and Star Island, near storm drains after king tide flooding, around restaurant and hotel dumpsters on Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue, and in parking garages under condo buildings. Every part of the island has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Miami Beach
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Miami Beach
Most Miami Beach 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 ControlCondo, apartment and single-family rat removal for Miami Beach, from Art Deco buildings in South Beach to towers in Mid-Beach.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and hotels on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road, plus condo HOAs.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, ceiling or building riser? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, garages and utility rooms, 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 parapets, 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, parapet sealing and landscaping advice for Miami Beach properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Miami Beach Property
Rodents move at night, so most Miami Beach residents find these clues before they ever see one. If you notice 2 or more, it is time for an inspection.
Droppings in a garage or utility room
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.
Chewed fruit and palm seed pods
Hollowed coconuts, mangoes or fallen palm seed pods are a classic roof rat sign in Miami Beach landscaping.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, storage rooms and building risers.
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 Miami Beach Property?
Roof rats cause most calls in Miami Beach, Norway rats show up near seawalls, canals and dumpsters, 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
- Roof parapets, palm trees, ficus hedges and balcony landscaping
- 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 near seawalls, storm drains, dumpsters and parking garages
- 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 storage closets
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Miami Beach starts with a full inspection, inside and out. We look for how rodents get in, where they live, and what is feeding them.
- Roof parapets, tie beams and roof access hatches
- Utility chases, riser closets and shared plumbing walls in condo buildings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals, parking garage ramps and loading docks
- Foundation, seawalls and canal-front landscaping
- Palm trees, ficus hedges and vines touching a roof or balcony
- Food sources: garbage rooms, 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, which condo HOAs and property managers often require
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Miami Beach Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the property is built, since an Art Deco low-rise and a condo tower have very different weak spots.
Roof, parapets and upper floors
- Parapet caps and roof access hatches, including rotted trim on older buildings
- Roof vents, mechanical rooms and rooftop equipment gaps
- Utility chases and riser closets shared between condo units
- Attic and drop-ceiling spaces for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC line sets for chew damage
- Palm trees, ficus hedges and balcony landscaping touching the building
Ground level, garage and waterfront
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Parking garage doors, ramps and loading dock seals
- Seawalls, canal-front landscaping and dock boxes on Sunset Islands and Star Island
- Trash rooms, dumpster enclosures and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food left outdoors
- Pool equipment and cabana or lanai 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 Miami Beach Properties
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 roofline 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents on Your Property 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 king tide flooding or 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 and shared risers.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Miami Beach Residents
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison on the balcony is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or shared risers, which causes a strong smell for weeks and can affect neighboring units. We trap instead.
- Myth: Only older buildings get rats
- Fact: New condo towers in Mid-Beach and North Beach get rats too, through garage doors, utility chases and landscaping. Rats come for shelter, water and food, not just old construction.
- 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 building being on the water keeps rats away
- Fact: Waterfront and canal-front properties on Sunset Islands and Star Island are some of the areas we treat most, since Norway rats nest along seawalls.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the building. 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 a roofline or a shared condo riser 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 landscaping, neighboring units or the seawall.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises above a ceiling | 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 a wall or riser | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats in a condo building or HOA | One owner cannot seal shared areas | Building-wide inspection and HOA reporting |
Who we serve in Miami Beach
Rodent Control for Miami Beach Homes, Condos and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Miami Beach
From Art Deco and MiMo low-rise buildings in South Beach to condo towers in Mid-Beach and North Beach, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, parapets, garage, landscaping and any shared utility chases, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and parapet inspection
We check parapets, vents and roof access hatches, 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 property
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in shared 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.
- Art Deco and MiMo buildings
- Condo towers
- Waterfront and canal-front homes
- Rentals and vacation units
Commercial and Condo HOA Rodent Control in Miami Beach
Restaurants and hotels on Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Condo associations and property managers need a building-wide plan that covers garages, trash rooms and common areas that no single owner can seal alone. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Restaurants and hotels
- Condo associations and HOAs
- Retail stores
- Property managers
- Vacation rental operators
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business or building hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a board, manager or inspector.
Garage and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at ramps, docks and utility chases closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster and dry storage areas that make your property less attractive to rats.
How Miami Beach properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Miami Beach Building
Miami Beach ranges from 1930s Art Deco and MiMo low-rise buildings to modern condo towers. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Art Deco and MiMo low-rise buildings
- 1930s to 1950s buildings in the Art Deco Historic District with parapet roofs and old window frames
- Gaps in stucco, old roof drains and rooftop mechanical closets
- Courtyards and dense landscaping that let rats reach upper floors
- Shared plumbing chases between adjoining units
- Ficus hedges and royal palms that touch the roofline
Condo towers and newer construction
- High-rise condo buildings in Mid-Beach and North Beach with parking garages and shared utility risers
- Rooftop mechanical rooms and elevator equipment closets
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through floor slabs
- Garage doors, loading docks and pool deck cabanas
- Balcony landscaping used as a ladder toward upper floors
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Miami Beach, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Miami Beach is a string of islands and districts with very different buildings. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
South Beach and the Art Deco Historic District
Low-rise buildings from the 1930s and 1940s with parapet roofs, courtyards and busy restaurant blocks. We seal parapets, old vents and shared plumbing chases.
Ocean Drive, Collins Avenue and Lincoln Road
Hotels, restaurants and retail with heavy foot traffic and shared dumpsters. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Sunset Islands, Star Island and Venetian Islands
Waterfront homes with seawalls, docks and dense landscaping. Norway rats burrow near the water, and king tide flooding pushes them toward higher ground.
Mid-Beach
A mix of mid-century hotels and newer condo towers along Collins Avenue. Rooflines, parking garages and utility risers are the usual entry points.
North Beach
Older apartment buildings alongside newer condo development. We check roof drains, courtyard landscaping and shared utility chases.
Fisher Island
A private island reached by ferry, with low-density luxury homes and condos. We coordinate inspection times with building management and ferry schedules.
Miami Beach through the year
How Miami Beach Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Miami Beach has a tropical climate with a wet season from May through October and a dry season from November through April. Temperatures rarely drop enough to slow rodents down, so they stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
King tide season
Seasonal king tides push seawater into storm drains and low-lying streets on the bay side of the island, flooding burrows near seawalls and canals and pushing Norway rats toward garages and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed on king tide days and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Irma in 2017 brought storm surge and wind damage across the island. Storm surge pushes rats out of burrows and into buildings, and damaged roof vents or parapets give them a way in.
Tip: After a storm, check the roofline and any parking garage vents.
Dry season and snowbird months
From November through April, more units and vacation rentals fill up. Vacant units left dark and quiet in the off-season, and busy occupied ones in season, both attract rats looking for a stable place to nest.
Tip: Have a vacant condo or rental checked before guests arrive.
Landscaping and fruit season
Mangoes, coconuts and dense hedges around courtyards and pool decks are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to a building.
Tip: Clear fallen fruit and trim hedges away from windows and balconies.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Miami Beach Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, seawall and garage
- Trim ficus hedges and palm fronds away from the roof or balconies
- Pick up fallen coconuts, mangoes and other fruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal-front landscaping free of clutter
- Store pool and dock gear off the floor
- Close garage and loading dock doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the property
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in storage rooms, not cardboard
- Take trash to the chute or dumpster promptly and keep lids closed
- Check utility closets and storage rooms every few months for droppings
- Call as soon as you notice a sign, and tell your HOA or property manager
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in Miami Beach
Miami Beach is not one kind of property. What we do at an Art Deco building in South Beach is different from what we do at a condo tower in Mid-Beach or a home on Sunset Islands.
Parapet Roofs and Shared Plumbing Chases
These 1930s to 1950s buildings have flat parapet roofs and shared plumbing chases between units, which give rats a hidden path between apartments.
Our approach: We inspect the parapet, roof drains and shared chases, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap along the paths we find.
Garage, Riser and Rooftop Gaps
Newer condo towers still get rats through parking garage doors, utility risers and rooftop mechanical rooms, and one owner cannot seal shared building areas alone.
Our approach: We coordinate with the HOA or property manager, inspect common areas and units together, then seal what we find and provide a written report for the board.
Norway Rats Near Seawalls and Canals
Norway rats gather along seawalls and canal-front landscaping, and king tide flooding can push them toward homes and garages.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and waterfront landscaping, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
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 a roofline, garage or large amount, call us instead
Primary Miami Beach response zone
Miami Beach service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Miami Beach has 4 main ZIP codes across South Beach, Mid-Beach, North Beach and Fisher Island. Call if you do not see yours.
33109331393314033141
Areas we serve
Check my address →
South Beach · Mid-Beach · North Beach · Sunset Islands · Star Island · Venetian Islands · Fisher Island · Ocean Drive and Collins Avenue corridor
Reviews from Miami Beach customers
Customer Reviews from Miami Beach
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my South Beach building. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Miami Beach, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our condo’s rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Miami Beach, 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.Miami Beach, FL
Verified Miami Beach rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Miami Beach Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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.
Yes. We inspect common areas like garages, trash rooms and utility risers along with individual units, and provide a written report the board or property manager can keep on file.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or shared risers where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell that can affect neighboring units. Trapping and sealing the openings works better.
It can. Seasonal king tides push water into storm drains and low-lying areas near seawalls and canals, flooding rat burrows and pushing Norway rats toward garages and higher ground. Homes on Sunset Islands and Star Island see this most.
Storm surge and wind damage from Hurricane Irma in 2017 pushed rats out of low-lying burrows and opened new gaps in roofs and parapets across the island. If your building had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline 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 a roofline, garage or large amount, 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 Miami, North Miami Beach, North Miami, Aventura and Coral Gables. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Miami Beach
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Miami Beach
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Miami Beach dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Miami Beach Home, Condo or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Miami Beach 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 Miami BeachMiami Beach, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
