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 Midway rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Midway, FL
Noises in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from homes between Gulf Breeze and Navarre in Santa Rosa County, from the older streets near Midway Elementary to the newer subdivisions off Woodbine Road. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove what is 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 Midway.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Midway
Why Midway Homes Attract Rats and Mice
Midway sits on the Fairpoint Peninsula between Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, right between Gulf Breeze and Navarre in Santa Rosa County. The ground is flat and sandy, with thick oak and pine cover that gives rodents an easy path from the woods straight to a roofline.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Midway. They travel through oak canopy and pine branches that hang over roofs, then drop down and get in through soffit gaps, roof vents and gaps where the roof meets the wall. Midway was still mostly rural land until the second half of the last century, and a lot of homes here were built during that post-war growth as Pensacola’s Navy and shipyard jobs pulled families out this way, which means older wood-frame construction sits right alongside newer subdivisions, each with its own weak points.
Norway rats stay lower, near the ground and water. We find them along the shoreline toward Santa Rosa Sound, in sheds and under decks, and around garages in the newer block homes going up near Woodbine Road and Munson Highway. Being this close to two bodies of water means there is almost always a water source nearby, which is exactly what keeps rodents coming back.
Services available in Midway
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Midway
Most Midway 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 Midway homes, from older streets near the fire station to newer builds off Woodbine Road.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along Highway 90 and Woodbine Road.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use through the attic and yard, 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 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 Midway homes near the tree line.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Midway Home
Rodents move at night, so most Midway 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 and AC insulation. This can lead to shorts, leaks and costly repairs.
Gnaw marks on the shed or fence
Chewed wood edges around sheds, decks and fence posts are common where rodents come in from wooded lots.
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 Midway Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Midway, Norway rats show up near the water and in sheds, 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, oak and pine trees
- 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 the shoreline, under sheds and in woodpiles
- 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 Midway 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, slab edges and any crawl space
- Oak and pine branches touching the roofline
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and wood piles
- 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 mortar. 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 Midway Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an older wood-frame house and a newer block home 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
- Gaps where the roofline meets the walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak and pine limbs touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces under raised homes and burrows near the shoreline
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Bird feeders, pet food and grills
- Fence lines and gaps into wooded lots
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 Midway 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 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. Being close to Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay means standing water after heavy rain is a real concern here.
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 Midway 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 homes near the woods get rats
- Fact: Homes throughout Midway get rats, not just the ones backing up to tree lines. Rats travel along power lines and fences too.
- 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 this climate, so a few 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 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 tree line or nearby water.
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 near the shoreline or under a shed | Burrows are hard to find and treat | Ground-level bait stations and sealing |
Who we serve in Midway
Rodent Control for Midway Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Midway
From older wood-frame homes near the fire station to newer block homes going up off Woodbine Road, each Midway property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, 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 and hardware cloth, 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.
- Older homes
- Waterfront lots
- Newer block homes
- Wooded lots
Commercial Rodent Control in Midway
Shops and offices along Highway 90 and Woodbine Road deal with deliveries, dumpsters and doors that stay open through the day. Florida restaurants and food businesses are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Warehouses
- Property managers
- Small businesses
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 Midway homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Midway Home
Midway grew mostly after World War II as Pensacola’s military and shipyard jobs pulled families this way, so the housing stock ranges from older wood-frame homes to homes built in the last few years. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes on wood-frame lots
- Mid-century wood-frame homes with crawl spaces and older skirting
- Gaps in vent screens and rotted sill boards
- Older soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Big oaks and pines that touch the roof
- Sheds and detached garages with gaps at the base
Newer block and slab homes
- Newer block-and-stucco homes off Woodbine Road and Munson Highway
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines that back up to wooded lots or open land
- Pine straw and mulch beds pushed up against the foundation
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Midway, Area by Area
Midway is spread along the peninsula between two bodies of water. Here is what we usually check first in each part of it.
Toward Gulf Breeze and Santa Rosa Sound
Homes closer to the sound have seawalls, docks and low, wet yards. Norway rats burrow near the shoreline and move into garages and sheds after heavy rain.
Around Woodbine Road and Munson Highway
A mix of older lots and newer construction. Roof rats travel oak and pine canopy here and drop onto rooflines that back up to the trees.
Near the Midway Fire Department and Highway 90
Older wood-frame homes and small businesses side by side. We check crawl spaces on the homes and loading areas on the businesses.
Toward Navarre and the Pensacola Bay side
Newer subdivisions built into former wooded and rural land. Rodents move in from the tree line, so sealing new construction early matters.
Near the schools
Eastbay K-8 and the schools off Woodbine Road sit close to wooded buffers, and the homes nearby often back up to the same tree lines rodents use to travel.
Around Pensacola State College South Santa Rosa Campus
A growing commercial and residential corridor. We see both attic calls at nearby homes and ground-level activity at businesses.
Midway through the year
How the Gulf Coast Climate Changes Rodent Activity
Midway has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and short, mild winters. Rodents stay active all year here, but the weather changes where they go and what they are looking for.
Hot, humid summers
Long, wet summers keep the ground near Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay soft and swampy in low spots, which pushes ground-level rats toward higher, drier garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Sitting between two bodies of water, Midway sees storm surge risk during Gulf storms. High water and wind can push rats out of low burrows and open new gaps in soffits and roof vents.
Tip: After any tropical storm, walk the roofline and check for new gaps before you assume the danger has passed.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Midway homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Year-round oak and pine cover
Midway’s oak and pine tree canopy stays thick year-round, which gives roof rats a steady path to the roofline in every season, not just fall.
Tip: Trim back branches that touch or overhang the roof.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Midway Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, shoreline and garage
- Trim oak and pine branches away from the roof
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep the shoreline near Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay clear of clutter
- Stack firewood and store boat gear off the ground
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Keep sheds and detached garages sealed at the base
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 Midway
Midway is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near the fire station is different from what we do at a newer home off Woodbine Road.
Crawl Space Nesting
Mid-century homes on this side of Santa Rosa County often sit on piers with a crawl space underneath, and older skirting and vent screens give rats an easy way in.
Our approach: We inspect the crawl space and skirting, seal gaps with hardware cloth, then trap underneath the house until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer block homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and roof edges where the tree canopy comes close.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Ground-Level Rats Near the Water
Norway rats burrow along the shoreline toward Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay, then move into sheds and garages during wet weather.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and outbuildings, 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 attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Midway response zone
Midway service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Midway sits across parts of the Gulf Breeze and Navarre ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover all of Santa Rosa County. Call if you do not see yours.
3256332566
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Midway · Gulf Breeze side · Woodbine Road corridor · Munson Highway · Navarre side · Highway 90
Reviews from Midway customers
Customer Reviews from Midway
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where the rats were getting in above our garage and sealed it up. No more noises at night.”
RH
Rachel H.Midway, FL
Verified★★★★★
“They were on time, explained everything they found in the attic, and followed up to make sure the traps were working.”
DP
Daniel P.Midway, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats getting in near our shed by the water. They sealed everything up and it has stayed quiet since.”
KM
Kayla M.Midway, FL
Verified Midway rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Midway 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.
Midway sits on sandy, flat ground with thick oak and pine cover. Roof rats climb branches that overhang or touch a roofline, then drop down and use soffit gaps or roof vents to get inside. Trimming branches back from the roof removes one of their easiest paths.
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 closer to Santa Rosa Sound and Pensacola Bay tend to see more ground-level Norway rats, since they nest in burrows near water and move into sheds and garages during wet weather. Homes farther from the water more often deal with roof rats coming down out of the tree canopy.
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 Pensacola, West Pensacola, Pace and Navarre. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Midway
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Midway
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Midway dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Midway 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 Midway 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 MidwayMidway, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
