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 New Port Richey rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in New Port Richey, FL
Scratching in the attic near downtown Main Street, or droppings in a canal-front garage in Gulf Harbors? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from New Port Richey homes and businesses, from the older homes around Sims Park to the newer block homes in Seven Springs and River Crossing. 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 New Port Richey.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why New Port Richey
Why New Port Richey Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
New Port Richey was incorporated on October 24, 1924, and the Pithlachascotee River, known locally as the Cotee River, still cuts through downtown on its way to the Gulf of Mexico. Warm weather all year, a mix of century-old homes near Sims Park and newer construction toward Seven Springs, plus the canals running through Gulf Harbors, give rats and mice plenty of places to nest.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in New Port Richey. They travel along oak branches and power lines near downtown and the older neighborhoods around Main Street, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. Along the Cotee River and in River Crossing, we also find Norway rats denning in burrows near the water and under sheds.
Canal-front homes in Gulf Harbors bring a different problem. Seawalls, docks and boat storage give Norway rats a place to burrow at ground level, while newer block homes in Seven Springs and Trinity still get rats through garage doors and AC line openings. Every part of the city has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in New Port Richey
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in New Port Richey
Most New Port Richey 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 New Port Richey homes, from older homes near downtown to newer construction in Seven Springs.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops along Main Street and Grand Boulevard downtown.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, seawall gaps and tree trimming advice for New Port Richey homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a New Port Richey Home
Rodents move at night, so most New Port Richey 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.
Gnawed fruit or bird feeders
Hollowed citrus still on the tree or spilled bird seed near a feeder is a classic roof rat sign in New Port Richey yards.
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 New Port Richey Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls near downtown and the older neighborhoods around Sims Park, Norway rats show up along the Cotee River, canals in Gulf Harbors and garages in newer subdivisions, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries anywhere in the city. 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, seawalls and canal banks
- 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 New Port Richey 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
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks on waterfront lots
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen citrus
- 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 New Port Richey Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the seawall. What we check depends on how the home is built, since an older home near downtown and a newer block home in Seven Springs have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes near Main Street
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile and shingle roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and palms touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Seawalls, docks and canal banks on Gulf Harbors waterfront lots
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food left outside
- Crawl spaces under older raised homes near downtown
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 New Port Richey 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 in yards and along canal banks 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 New Port Richey 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 near downtown get rats
- Fact: Newer block homes in Seven Springs and River Crossing get rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and citrus trees, 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: A canal-front lot is no different than any other
- Fact: Seawalls and docks in Gulf Harbors give Norway rats a place to burrow that inland lots do not have, so we check the water side first.
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 along a seawall 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 oaks, canals and the river.
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 along a seawall or canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and close | Burrow treatment and bank sealing |
Who we serve in New Port Richey
Rodent Control for New Port Richey Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in New Port Richey
From older homes near Sims Park and downtown to newer block homes in Seven Springs and canal-front properties in Gulf Harbors, each New Port Richey home 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, 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.
- Older homes near downtown
- Canal-front and waterfront homes
- Newer block homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in New Port Richey
Restaurants and shops along Main Street and Grand Boulevard downtown deal with daily deliveries 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 New Port Richey homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of New Port Richey Home
New Port Richey has homes from the 1920s downtown to new construction toward Trinity. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes near downtown and Sims Park
- Older wood-frame and block homes built in the decades after incorporation in 1924
- Gaps in old soffits, attic vents with no screens and rotted fascia
- Big oak trees that touch the roof along the older streets
- Some raised or pier-and-beam homes with an open crawl space
Newer homes in Seven Springs and Trinity
- Block-and-stucco homes with tile or shingle roofs
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Landscaping and palms used as a ladder to the roof
We know the route
Landmarks and Points of Interest in New Port Richey
Navigating New Port Richey is easy thanks to its recognizable landmarks. Our team uses local points of interest to plan routes and to talk through exactly where a problem is happening.
Sims Park and downtown Main Street
This riverfront park along the Pithlachascotee River sits at the center of the historic downtown, near the Main Street archway and Cavalaire Square.
Richey Suncoast Theatre and the Hacienda Hotel
Built in 1926 and 1927, these historic downtown buildings are landmarks we use as reference points when routing calls near Main Street.
James E. Grey Preserve
This preserve on the Pithlachascotee River draws wildlife right along the riverbank, which is part of why we check river-adjacent properties closely for burrows.
Boy Scout Preserve
An 18-acre coastal hammock and salt marsh preserve west of US 19. Properties near natural areas like this often see more rodent pressure from the surrounding habitat.
New Port Richey Public Library
A central downtown landmark and an easy reference point for our technicians when scheduling nearby visits.
Gulf Harbors and River Crossing canals
These waterfront neighborhoods have seawalls and docks that connect toward the Gulf, giving Norway rats a very different kind of entry point than a downtown lot.
New Port Richey through the year
How New Port Richey Weather Changes Rodent Activity
New Port Richey has a humid subtropical climate with winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September raise water levels along the Cotee River and canals in Gulf Harbors, pushing Norway rats out of low burrows and toward garages and sheds.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricanes Helene and Milton brought storm surge and flooding to parts of Pasco County in 2024, including areas along local rivers. Flooding pushes rats out of burrows and toward higher, drier ground, and storm damage to roofs and soffits gives them new ways in.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline and any storm-damaged screens.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many New Port Richey homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Spring and Chasco Fiesta season
Downtown gets busy every spring for the Chasco Fiesta, held near Sims Park since 1922. Warmer weather also means backyard citrus starts to ripen, drawing roof rats closer to homes.
Tip: Pick citrus as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your New Port Richey Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Trim branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and canal banks free of 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 New Port Richey
New Port Richey is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near downtown is different from what we do at a canal-front lot in Gulf Harbors or a newer block home in Seven Springs.
Roofline and Soffit Gaps
Homes built in the decades after the city’s 1924 incorporation often have old soffits, worn attic vents and oak branches that touch the roof, all of which give roof rats a way onto the roof and into the attic.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Along Seawalls and Docks
Canal-front lots have seawalls, docks and boat storage that give Norway rats a place to burrow at ground level, a problem inland properties do not have.
Our approach: We inspect the seawall and dock area, then place bait stations and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Garage and AC Line Openings
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage door corners, AC line penetrations and pool screen enclosure frames.
Our approach: We check the garage and exterior wall penetrations first, then seal what 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 New Port Richey response zone
New Port Richey service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
These are all 5 ZIP codes in New Port Richey. Nearby areas may also qualify. Call if you do not see yours.
3465234653346543465534656
Popular neighborhoods
Check my address →
Downtown / Sims Park · Gulf Harbors · River Crossing · Seven Springs
Reviews from New Port Richey customers
Customer Reviews from New Port Richey
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found where rats were getting into our attic near downtown and sealed it up. Professional and thorough.”
JD
John D.New Port Richey, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats coming in along the seawall in Gulf Harbors. They checked the whole property and explained exactly what they were doing.”
SM
Sarah M.Gulf Harbors
Verified★★★★★
“Knowledgeable about the area and easy to schedule. Would recommend to anyone in Seven Springs dealing with a rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Seven Springs
Verified New Port Richey rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From New Port Richey Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Seawalls, docks and boat storage along the canals give Norway rats a place to burrow at ground level. We inspect the water side of the property along with the roofline and garage.
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.
In many parts of Pasco County, yes. Helene and Milton brought flooding and storm surge in 2024, which pushed rodents out of low burrows and toward homes, and wind and water damage opened new gaps in roofs and soffits. If your home 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 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 take calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for rodent problems in New Port Richey.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in New Port Richey
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in New Port Richey
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
New Port Richey dispatch is ready
Rats in Your New Port Richey 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 New Port Richey 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 New Port RicheyNew Port Richey, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
