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 Miami Gardens rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Miami Gardens, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Miami Gardens homes and businesses, from the large lots of Andover and Norland to the block homes of Carol City and Bunche Park, and the warehouses and offices near Hard Rock Stadium. 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 Miami Gardens.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Miami Gardens
Why Miami Gardens Has Rats Year-Round
Miami Gardens was incorporated in 2003 out of 7 older communities: Andover, Bunche Park, Carol City, Lake Lucerne, Norland, Opa-locka North and Scott Lake. That history shows up in the housing stock, from large-lot single-family homes with mature tree canopy to older block homes closer to Carol City and Bunche Park, and it means rats have a lot of different ways in depending on which part of the city you are in.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often here. On the large lots in Andover, Norland and Scott Lake, palm trees and shade trees grow close enough to the roofline to give roof rats a direct path onto the house, where they get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps where the roofline meets the wall. South Florida’s subtropical climate never gets cold enough to slow them down, so there is no real winter die-off the way there is farther north.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground. We find them around dumpsters, loading docks and drainage areas near the commercial corridor along NW 27th Avenue and the businesses close to Hard Rock Stadium, and in garages and under sheds in older block homes in Carol City and Bunche Park. House mice show up in kitchens and pantries in homes and apartments across the city. Every part of Miami Gardens has its own rodent pressure, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Miami Gardens
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Miami Gardens
Most Miami Gardens 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 garage rat removal for Miami Gardens homes, from large lots in Andover and Norland to block homes in Carol City.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for offices, warehouses and shops along NW 27th Avenue and near Hard Rock Stadium.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 Miami Gardens homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Miami Gardens Home
Rodents move at night, so most Miami Gardens 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.
Half-eaten fruit in the yard
Hollowed mangoes or avocados on large lots in Andover and Norland are a classic roof rat sign here.
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 Miami Gardens Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Miami Gardens, Norway rats show up near dumpsters, loading docks and drainage areas, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in homes and apartments. 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 slabs, sheds, dumpsters and drainage areas
- 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 Miami Gardens 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 and slab edges
- Trees 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 Miami Gardens Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on the lot size and how the home is built, since a large-lot home in Norland and a block home in Carol City have different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where the roofline meets the wall
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and canopy touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Foundation gaps on older block homes
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Dumpster and loading dock areas at commercial sites
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 Gardens 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 Miami Gardens Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison in the attic is the fastest fix
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes get rats
- Fact: Newer homes in Andover and Lake Lucerne get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees on the large lots, 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 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: South Florida winters kill off the rats
- Fact: Miami Gardens winters rarely get cold enough to slow rats down, so activity stays fairly steady all year.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or under a large lot’s tree canopy 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 trees and neighboring lots.
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 around a commercial dumpster | Openings stay open, rats return | Scheduled service with written logs |
Who we serve in Miami Gardens
Rodent Control for Miami Gardens Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Miami Gardens
From large lots with mature tree canopy in Andover and Norland to closer-set block homes in Carol City and Bunche Park, each home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and roof edges, then walk you through what we found.
Rodent-proof sealing
Openings are closed with metal flashing, hardware cloth and mortar, not foam alone.
Trapping inside the home
Indoor trapping avoids dead rodents in the walls and keeps bait away from kids and pets.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation should be replaced.
- Large-lot homes
- Block homes
- Apartments and condos
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Miami Gardens
Offices, warehouses and shops along NW 27th Avenue and near Hard Rock Stadium 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 Miami Gardens homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Miami Gardens Home
Miami Gardens has homes on large lots and closer-set block homes from its older communities. The way a property is built and landscaped tells us where to look first.
Large-lot homes: Andover, Norland, Scott Lake
- Mature palm and shade trees with branches touching the roof
- Open soffits and roof vents rats reach by climbing the tree canopy
- Sheds and storage buildings set back from the house
- Fenced yards that hold fallen fruit and fill in with brush
Closer-set block homes: Carol City, Bunche Park
- Foundation gaps and slab edges on older block construction
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and worn weatherstripping
- Shared fence lines and alleys that give rats a travel path between properties
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Miami Gardens, Community by Community
Miami Gardens was formed from 7 older communities in 2003. Here is what we usually check first in each part of the city.
Andover and Norland
Large lots with mature tree canopy. Roof rats travel the branches onto the roof, so we check soffits and roof vents first.
Carol City and Bunche Park
Older, closer-set block homes. We look at foundation gaps, AC line openings and shared fence lines between properties.
Lake Lucerne and the Hard Rock Stadium area
Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Miami Dolphins, sits on land that was once part of the Lake Lucerne community. Nearby offices and warehouses get scheduled commercial service.
Opa-locka North and Scott Lake
A mix of single-family homes and smaller apartment buildings. We check shared walls and dumpster areas along with the usual roofline and yard.
NW 27th Avenue corridor
City Hall and many commercial properties sit along this corridor. Loading docks and shared dumpsters are the usual entry points we check.
Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex area
Homes near this NW 199th Street recreation complex are still mostly large-lot properties, so tree canopy sealing matters here too.
Miami Gardens through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Miami Gardens
Miami Gardens has a subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Rats stay active all year here, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September flood low-lying yards and drainage areas, 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 Irma in 2017 caused widespread flooding and power outages across Miami-Dade County. Storm surge and heavy rain push rats out of low ground and into homes, and wind damage opens new gaps in soffits and roofs.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
Winters here rarely get cold enough to slow rats down, so there is no real off-season. On cooler nights, they look for warm, dry attics.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Fruit season on large lots
Mangoes and avocados that fall in yards in Andover, Norland and Scott Lake are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Miami Gardens Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes and avocados daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds, woodpiles and storage areas off the ground
- Store yard equipment 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 Miami Gardens
Miami Gardens is not one kind of property. What we do at a large-lot home in Norland is different from what we do at a block home in Carol City or an office near Hard Rock Stadium.
Roof Access Through Tree Canopy
Mature palm and shade trees on these large lots grow close enough to the roofline that roof rats can climb straight from a branch onto the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and soffits, seal the gaps we find with metal and hardware cloth, and note which branches should be trimmed back.
Foundation and Ground-Level Gaps
Older block construction here often has settled slab edges and gaps where AC lines and plumbing pass through the wall, giving Norway rats a ground-level way in.
Our approach: We check the foundation and AC line penetrations first, then seal them with concrete patch or hardware cloth.
Dumpsters and Loading Docks
Commercial properties along this corridor deal with shared dumpsters, loading docks and doors that stay open during business hours.
Our approach: We set up scheduled visits with written logs, sealing dock and door gaps and placing stations away from public areas.
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 Miami Gardens response zone
Miami Gardens service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are the ZIP codes we serve most in Miami Gardens, but we cover the whole city and Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see yours.
3301433054330553305633169
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Andover · Bunche Park · Carol City · Lake Lucerne · Norland · Opa-locka North · Scott Lake
Reviews from Miami Gardens customers
Customer Reviews from Miami Gardens
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near Norland and sealed it up. Quick and professional.”
RC
Renee C.Miami Gardens, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They handled a rat problem at our office near the stadium quickly and gave us a written log for each visit.”
MJ
Marcus J.Miami Gardens, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Knowledgeable team that explained exactly why we kept getting rats in the garage and what to change.”
DP
Denise P.Miami Gardens, FL
Verified Miami Gardens rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Miami Gardens 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.
Homes in Andover, Norland and Scott Lake often have mature trees close enough to the roof for roof rats to climb straight across. We inspect the roofline and soffits and seal what the tree canopy is giving them access to.
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.
Not really. Winters here rarely get cold enough to slow rats down, so activity stays fairly steady all year. Summer rain and hurricane season can push more rats toward homes.
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 Opa-locka, Miami Lakes, North Miami Beach and Hialeah Gardens. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Miami Gardens
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Miami Gardens
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Miami Gardens dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Miami Gardens 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 Miami Gardens 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 GardensMiami Gardens, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
