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 Lakes rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Miami Lakes, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Miami Lakes homes and businesses, from the lakefront houses along Loch Lomond and Lake Katharine to the townhomes at Satori and the shops on Main Street. 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 Lakes.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Miami Lakes
Why Miami Lakes Rats Are Never Far From Water
Miami Lakes was master-planned starting in 1962 by the Graham family’s Sengra Corporation, with landscape architect Lester Collins laying out curving roads around a system of 23 man-made lakes. Roughly 13 percent of the town is open water, and that water is exactly why Norway rats have so much shoreline to burrow along.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most from Miami Lakes attics. They travel along oaks, ficus trees and power lines in older sections near Loch Lomond and Lake Katharine, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. In newer construction like Royal Oaks and the gated Satori community, they use fence lines, palms and lanai screens the same way.
Norway rats stay low and dig burrows. We find them along the lake banks that run through nearly every section of town, around dumpsters behind the shops and restaurants on Main Street, and in garages on the west side near 33018. Miami Lakes also sits in the only tropical rainforest climate zone in the continental United States, which means there is no real winter die-off. Rats stay active all year and simply shift where they nest as the seasons change.
Services available in Miami Lakes
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Miami Lakes
Most Miami Lakes 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 lanai rat removal for Miami Lakes homes, from lakefront houses on Loch Lomond to new construction at Satori.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along Main Street and offices near the Palmetto Expressway.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along fence lines, lake banks 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, 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, lake-facing fence gaps and tree trimming advice for Miami Lakes homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Miami Lakes Home
Rodents move at night, so most Miami Lakes 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 pool equipment lines. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Burrows along the lake bank
Small holes at the base of a slope near a lake or canal are a Norway rat sign, common all through Miami Lakes.
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 Lakes Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Miami Lakes, Norway rats show up along the lakes, 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
- Attics, roof spaces, palms 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 along lake banks, under sheds and near dumpsters
- 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 Lakes 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
- Lake bank and canal edges bordering the property
- Fence lines, palms and trees 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 Lakes Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the lake bank. What we check depends on how the home is built and whether it borders water, since a 1960s lakefront house and a Satori townhome have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Barrel tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oaks, ficus trees, palms and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, yard and lake bank
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Burrows along lake banks, canal edges and drainage swales
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Shared fence lines and HOA common areas in gated sections
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 Lakes 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 lake 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 along lake banks and after 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 Miami Lakes 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 right on the lake get rats
- Fact: Rats travel fence lines and drainage swales well away from the water. Homes several blocks from a lake still get calls.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in a climate with no real winter, 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 lake bank 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 nearest lake or fence line.
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 the lake bank | Hard to treat a shared shoreline | Full inspection and bait placement |
| 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 |
| Shared walls in a townhome or condo | Needs HOA or neighbor coordination | We coordinate with the HOA or property manager |
Who we serve in Miami Lakes
Rodent Control for Miami Lakes Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Miami Lakes
From single-family homes backing onto Loch Lomond and Lake Katharine to the gated townhomes at Satori and single-family homes in Royal Oaks, each Miami Lakes property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, fence line and lake 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.
- Lakefront homes
- Royal Oaks single-family
- Satori townhomes
- Main Street condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Miami Lakes
Restaurants, shops and offices along Main Street and near the Palmetto Expressway 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
- HOA and 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, HOA board 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 Lakes homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Miami Lakes Home
Miami Lakes has homes from the 1960s original plan through brand new gated construction. The way a property is built, and whether it borders a lake, tells us where to look first.
Original lakefront homes and Royal Oaks
- 1960s and 1970s single-family homes along Loch Lomond and Lake Katharine, many with direct lake access
- Royal Oaks single-family homes, built starting in 1984, several backing up to their own neighborhood lakes
- Older soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Mature oaks and ficus trees that touch the roofline
- Lake banks and drainage swales that give Norway rats a place to burrow
Satori, Main Street condos and newer construction
- Satori’s gated single-family homes and townhomes, built on 128 acres off the Palmetto Expressway
- Condos and mixed-use buildings around the Main Street town center
- Shared walls and shared attics that mean one unit’s rat problem can spread to the next
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through block walls
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Miami Lakes, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Miami Lakes is a small town with very different sections. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Loch Lomond and Lake Katharine
The original 1962 lakefront section of the master plan. Rats travel the shoreline and mature oaks that lean over the roofline of these older homes.
Royal Oaks
About 1,200 single-family homes built starting in 1984 around 4 neighborhood lakes. We check garages, roof edges and the lake-facing fence line.
Main Street Town Center
The walkable mixed-use district with condos, restaurants and shops. Shared walls and dumpsters mean we coordinate with property managers and HOA boards here.
Satori
A newer gated community of single-family homes and townhomes off the Palmetto Expressway. Fence lines and lanai frames are the usual entry points on new construction.
West side (33018)
Newer construction west of the older lakefront section, built with wider roads. Garage doors and AC line gaps are the most common openings we find.
Along the Palmetto Expressway
Commercial buildings and warehouses that back up to the expressway right-of-way, which gives rats cover to travel between properties.
Miami Lakes through the year
How Miami Lakes’ Tropical Climate Changes Rodent Activity
Miami Lakes sits in the only tropical rainforest climate zone in the continental United States. There is no cold season to slow rats down, but the weather still changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from May to October raise the level in the town’s 23 lakes and flood low burrows, pushing Norway rats up toward garages, sheds and yards.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Heavy rain events push water higher around the lakes and canals, and wind can open new gaps in soffits and roof vents. Storm surge is not the main concern here since Miami Lakes sits inland, but flooded burrows push rats toward dry ground fast.
Tip: After a storm, walk the fence line and check the roofline for new gaps.
Drier, cooler months
From December through February, nights cool down and rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Miami Lakes homeowners first hear scratching overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before the drier season starts.
Year-round breeding
Because there is no real winter here, rats can breed all 12 months. A small problem in one season is often a bigger one by the next.
Tip: Call at the first sign instead of waiting to see if it gets worse.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Miami Lakes Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, lake bank and garage
- Trim branches and palm fronds away from the roof
- Pick up fallen fruit from backyard trees daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the lake bank or canal edge behind your home free of overgrowth and clutter
- Store boat and dock 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 Miami Lakes
Miami Lakes is not one kind of property. What we do at a lakefront home on Loch Lomond is different from what we do at a Satori townhome or a Main Street condo.
Norway Rats Along the Water
With 23 lakes covering about 13 percent of the town, lake banks and canal edges give Norway rats a place to burrow that many homeowners never see.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline behind the property, look for burrows and rub marks, then bait and close off the ground-level openings we find.
Shared Walls and HOA Coordination
In attached townhomes and condo buildings, a rat problem in one unit can travel through shared attics or walls into the unit next door.
Our approach: We work with the HOA or property manager to get access to adjoining units and common areas, so the whole building gets sealed, not just one unit.
Roofline and Garage Gaps
Single-family homes built from the 1980s onward still get rats through soffit gaps, roof vents and garage door corners.
Our approach: We check the roofline and garage 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 Miami Lakes response zone
Miami Lakes service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Miami Lakes covers 3 ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve, and we also cover the surrounding parts of Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see yours.
330143301633018
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Loch Lomond · Lake Katharine · Royal Oaks · Main Street Town Center · Satori · West side (33018)
Reviews from Miami Lakes customers
Customer Reviews from Miami Lakes
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did a thorough job at my home near Royal Oaks. They found where the rats were getting in and sealed it, not just traps.”
MR
Marco R.Miami Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They coordinated with our HOA to check the whole building when we had rats coming through a shared wall. Very professional.”
AC
Ana C.Miami Lakes, FL
Verified★★★★★
“Our house backs up to one of the lakes and we kept finding burrows in the yard. They explained what was happening and took care of it.”
DP
David P.Miami Lakes, FL
Verified Miami Lakes rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Miami Lakes Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Miami Lakes was built around 23 man-made lakes that make up about 13 percent of the town. Norway rats burrow along the banks of these lakes and the canals that connect them, so lakefront and near-lake properties see more ground-level activity.
Yes, in attached construction rats can move through a shared attic or wall void from one unit to the next. We work with the HOA or property manager to get access to the units or common areas involved so the fix covers the whole building, not just one unit.
Miami Lakes sits in the only tropical rainforest climate zone in the continental United States, so there is no real cold season to slow rats down. Activity often increases in the drier winter months as rats look for warm attics, and heavy summer rain can push ground-level rats out of flooded burrows.
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.
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 Hialeah, Hialeah Gardens, Miami Gardens and Opa-locka. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Miami Lakes
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Miami Lakes
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Miami Lakes dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Miami Lakes 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 Lakes 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 LakesMiami Lakes, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
