Running in the attic
Quick footsteps or scratching above the ceiling after dark. Roof rats are most active a few hours after sunset.
Your local Nocatee rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Nocatee, FL
Noises in the attic of your Twenty Mile Village home or droppings in a Del Webb garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Nocatee homes and businesses across St. Johns and Duval County, from new-build villages near the preserve to the shops at Nocatee Town Center. We find how they get in, seal it, and remove the rodents 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 Nocatee.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Nocatee
Why New Nocatee Homes Still Get Rodents
Nocatee is a planned community that broke ground in 2005 and now covers 13,323 acres across St. Johns County and a slice of Duval County. Almost every home here is new construction, but that does not stop rats and mice. Warm weather year-round and dozens of ponds, preserves and wooded buffers between villages give rodents cover close to the house.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Nocatee. In villages like Twenty Mile Village and Crosswater, homes back up to wooded conservation buffers and stormwater ponds, and rats use that tree line to reach the roof. They get in through tile roof edges, gaps in soffit screens, and openings around AC lines that were never fully sealed during construction.
Norway rats and mice show up in different spots. We find Norway rats around retention ponds, storm drains and dumpsters at Nocatee Town Center, and house mice getting into garages and pantries in interior villages away from the tree line. Del Webb Nocatee, the 55+ section of the community, has its own pattern too, since single-story homes with slab foundations give rodents fewer places to hide but more garage and lanai entry points to check.
Services available in Nocatee
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Nocatee
Most Nocatee 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 Nocatee homes, from new builds in Crosswater to the 55+ homes of Del Webb Nocatee.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants at Nocatee Town Center.Learn More →
Rodent RemovalTraps placed on the paths rats use along fence lines and pond banks, 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, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Nocatee homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Nocatee Home
Rodents move at night, so most Nocatee 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.
Chewed screen enclosures
Torn pool cage or lanai screening near the ground is a common Nocatee sign, since rats use screen frames as a ladder to the roof.
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 Nocatee Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Nocatee, Norway rats turn up near ponds, storm drains and dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in interior villages. 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 and conservation buffer 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 pond banks, storm drains and dumpster pads
- 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 garages
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Nocatee 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
- Pool cage and lanai screen frames used as a climbing point
- Conservation buffer trees and fence lines touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and grills
- 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, especially if your HOA requires it
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During a Nocatee Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the pond bank. What we check depends on how close the home sits to a preserve, pond or wooded buffer.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including new-construction sealant that has shrunk or cracked
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Conservation buffer trees and fence lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Pool cage and lanai screen frames
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Bird feeders, grills and pet food left outdoors
- Pond banks, storm drains and dumpster pads near retail and amenity areas
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 Nocatee 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. Nocatee’s ponds and stormwater areas 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 Nocatee Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer, especially in a community this new. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: New homes do not get rats
- Fact: Nocatee’s homes are newer, but construction gaps around AC lines, soffits and tile roof edges still give rats a way in. Age is not the deciding factor, sealing is.
- 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 preserve get rats
- Fact: Interior villages away from the tree line still get house mice and the occasional Norway rat near ponds and storm drains.
- 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: 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 Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in 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 preserve buffer or pond bank.
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 |
| HOA-approved exclusion work | Materials may not meet ARC rules | Sealing that matches HOA standards |
Who we serve in Nocatee
Rodent Control for Nocatee Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Nocatee
From preserve-adjacent homes in Twenty Mile Village and Crosswater to single-story homes in Del Webb Nocatee, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, lanai 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.
- New construction homes
- Preserve-adjacent homes
- 55+ Del Webb homes
- Rentals and HOA properties
Commercial Rodent Control in Nocatee
Shops and restaurants at Nocatee Town Center 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
- Amenity centers
- Property managers and HOAs
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, inspector or HOA board.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at service entrances 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 Nocatee homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Nocatee Property
Nocatee is mostly new construction, but where a home sits inside the community matters more than its age.
Preserve and pond-adjacent homes
- Homes backing up to conservation buffers in Twenty Mile Village and Crosswater have tree limbs close to the roof
- Gaps in tile roof edges and soffit screens that construction sealant missed
- Fence lines and pool cage frames used as a ladder to the roof
- Norway rat burrows along nearby pond banks and storm drains
Interior villages and Del Webb Nocatee
- Homes further from the tree line still see house mice through garage and AC line gaps
- Single-story Del Webb homes have fewer attic entry points but more garage and lanai gaps
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the exterior wall
- Garage door corners and screen enclosure frames
Village by village
Rodent Problems Across Nocatee, Village by Village
Nocatee has 50 neighborhoods and they are not all the same distance from a preserve or pond. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Twenty Mile Village
One of Nocatee’s oldest sections, with homes backing up to wooded conservation buffers. Roof rats use the tree line to reach soffits and roof vents.
Crosswater and Pioneer Village
Newer construction next to ponds and preserve land. We check tile roof edges and AC line gaps first.
Greenleaf Village
A mix of home sizes near community parks and ponds. Garage doors and screen enclosures are the usual entry points.
Del Webb Nocatee
The community’s 55+ section. Single-story homes on slab foundations, so garages and lanais get most of our attention.
Nocatee Town Center
Shops, restaurants and offices with shared dumpsters. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Interior villages near Splash Water Park
Homes farther from the tree line still get house mice and the occasional Norway rat near amenity ponds.
Nocatee through the year
How Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Nocatee
St. Johns County stays warm most of the year, so rats and mice do not get a real slow season here. The weather changes where they go more than whether they are active.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise pond and stormwater levels across Nocatee, pushing Norway rats out of low banks and toward garages, sheds and dry ground near homes.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Irma in 2017 caused flooding and wind damage across St. Johns County, including the beaches near Nocatee. Storm winds can open new gaps in soffits and roof edges, and heavy rain pushes rodents toward dry shelter.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Nocatee homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Spring growing season
As new landscaping and buffer trees fill in through the spring, rats get more cover close to rooflines in the community’s newer villages.
Tip: Keep tree limbs trimmed back from the roofline as landscaping matures.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Nocatee Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and pond bank
- Trim branches and buffer trees away from the roof
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep pond banks and fence lines clear of debris and clutter
- Store garbage cans with the lids fully closed
- Repair torn pool cage or lanai screening promptly
- 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 Nocatee
Nocatee is not one kind of property. What we do at a preserve-adjacent home in Twenty Mile Village is different from what we do at a shop in Nocatee Town Center.
Roofline Access From the Tree Line
Homes that back up to conservation buffers or ponds give roof rats a direct route from the trees to the roof, especially where soffit screens or tile roof edges were not fully sealed during construction.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and buffer-facing side of the home first, seal gaps with metal flashing and hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Garage and Lanai Entry Points
Single-story slab homes have fewer attic access points, but garage door seals, AC line gaps and lanai screen frames are common ways in.
Our approach: We check the garage and lanai first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Dumpsters and Storm Drains
Shops and restaurants share dumpster pads and sit near storm drains and retention ponds, which draw Norway rats at ground level.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster area and building perimeter, 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 Nocatee response zone
Nocatee service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Nocatee’s main ZIP code is 32081, and we cover the whole community across both St. Johns and Duval County. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
32081
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Twenty Mile Village · Crosswater · Pioneer Village · Greenleaf Village · Del Webb Nocatee · Nocatee Town Center
Reviews from Nocatee customers
Customer Reviews from Nocatee
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros found the gap in our soffit that the builder missed and sealed it the same visit. No more noise in the attic.”
KR
Kevin R.Nocatee, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. I appreciated the follow-up visits and the written report for our HOA.”
AM
Angela M.Nocatee, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew exactly where to check on our Del Webb home and got the problem sorted fast.”
DT
David T.Nocatee, FL
Verified Nocatee rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Nocatee Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →New does not mean sealed. Small gaps around AC lines, soffit screens and tile roof edges are common in new-build homes, and rats only need a gap about 1/2 inch wide. Nearby conservation buffers and ponds give them cover close to the house.
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.
Nocatee’s HOA has architectural standards for exterior changes. We use materials like metal flashing and hardware cloth that blend in with the home and can provide documentation of the work if your HOA asks for it.
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.
Somewhat. Del Webb’s single-story homes have fewer attic entry points, so we spend more time checking garages, AC line gaps and lanai screen frames than we would on a two-story home near the preserve.
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 St. Augustine, Jacksonville Beach, Fruit Cove and Fleming Island. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Nocatee
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Nocatee
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Nocatee dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Nocatee 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 Nocatee 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 NocateeNocatee, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
