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 North Lauderdale rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in North Lauderdale, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from North Lauderdale homes and businesses, from the tightly packed single-family streets of North Lauderdale Estates and Broadview Estates to the townhome and condo communities like Kimberly Village and Hampton Pines. 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 North Lauderdale.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why North Lauderdale
Why North Lauderdale Homes Get Rats Year Round
North Lauderdale is one of the most densely built small cities in Broward County, packed into just 4.7 square miles with close to 9,700 people per square mile. Most of the city was built out fast during a development boom in the 1970s, on land that used to be dairy and string bean farms. That means rows of closely spaced homes, mature trees planted decades ago, and shared attic lines in the townhome and condo communities, all of which give rats an easy path from one roof to the next.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most here. In single-family sections like North Lauderdale Estates, Broadview Estates and Cross Creek, they travel along fence lines, ficus hedges and mature oaks, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps and roof vents. In the attached townhome and condo communities such as Kimberly Village, Hampton Pines and Sugar Springs, a rat that gets into one shared roofline can move through the attic space into several units, so we check the neighboring units too.
Norway rats stay lower, near dumpsters behind the shopping plazas on SW 61st Avenue and Kimberly Boulevard, along drainage canals that cut through the city’s flood control network, and in garages and sheds throughout the older sections near Broward Boulevard. Because the city is so compact, a rodent problem rarely stays confined to one property for long, so we inspect every home as its own job.
Services available in North Lauderdale
Rodent Control Services Available in North Lauderdale
Most North Lauderdale 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 roofline rat removal for North Lauderdale homes, from single-family streets to townhome and condo communities.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along SW 61st Avenue and Kimberly Boulevard.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, and tree trimming advice for North Lauderdale homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a North Lauderdale Home
Rodents move at night, so most North Lauderdale 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 food packaging
Cereal boxes, chip bags and pet food bags with small gnawed holes are a common sign in North Lauderdale kitchens and pantries.
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 North Lauderdale Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in North Lauderdale, Norway rats show up near dumpsters, canals and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in both single-family homes and attached units. 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 hedges
- 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, rubbish and along 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 North Lauderdale 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 shared walls in townhome rows
- Hedges, 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 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 North Lauderdale Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on whether the home is a standalone single-family house or part of a shared-roof townhome or condo building, since North Lauderdale has a lot of both.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, common on homes built during the 1970s development boom
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Shared attic space and party walls in townhome and condo rows
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Hedges, ficus trees and branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Fence lines and hedges shared with the next-door property
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Dumpster and trash enclosure areas near retail strips
- Canal banks and drainage areas behind some properties
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 North Lauderdale 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, and whether the unit shares an attic with a neighbor. 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 near canals 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, an added risk in shared-wall townhomes.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From North Lauderdale 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 shared attic space, which causes a strong smell for weeks, and can affect a neighboring unit too. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older or run-down homes get rats
- Fact: Newer townhomes and condos get rats too, since the shared roofline and attic space let one entry point affect several units.
- 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 shared 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 or the unit next door. 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, and in a densely packed city like North Lauderdale a few rats can spread to nearby homes fast.
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 in a shared roofline 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 hedge, fence line or the unit next door.
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 moving between townhome units | One owner cannot seal a shared roofline alone | We coordinate with the HOA or neighbor when needed |
Who we serve in North Lauderdale
Rodent Control for North Lauderdale Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in North Lauderdale
From single-family homes in North Lauderdale Estates and Broadview Estates to the townhomes and condos in Kimberly Village and Hampton Pines, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, shared walls, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and shared 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.
- Single-family homes
- Townhomes and HOA communities
- Condos and apartments
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in North Lauderdale
Shops, restaurants and offices along SW 61st Avenue, Kimberly Boulevard and Broward Boulevard 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
- Property managers and HOAs
- Apartment communities
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 back doors 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 North Lauderdale is built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of North Lauderdale Property
North Lauderdale was mostly built out fast during a development boom in the 1970s, so the housing stock is a mix of standalone single-family homes and closely spaced townhomes and condos. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Single-family homes (North Lauderdale Estates, Broadview Estates, Cross Creek)
- Block homes from the 1960s and 70s with older soffits and vents
- Fence lines and hedges shared with the neighboring yard
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Mature trees planted decades ago that now touch the roof
- Sheds and storage areas in the backyard
Townhomes and condos (Kimberly Village, Hampton Pines, Sugar Springs)
- Shared rooflines and attic space that let rats move between units
- Common walls with gaps around shared utility lines
- Dumpster and mail kiosk areas that draw Norway rats
- Landscaping maintained by the HOA that may not get trimmed back from rooflines
- Carports and covered parking used for storage
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across North Lauderdale, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
North Lauderdale packs a lot of neighborhoods into under 5 square miles. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
North Lauderdale Estates and North Lauderdale Village
Older single-family blocks with mature landscaping. Roof rats travel the hedges and fence lines, then get in through soffit gaps.
Broadview Estates and Cross Creek
Single-family streets close to canal banks and drainage areas, where Norway rats burrow near the water.
Kimberly Village and Hampton Pines
Townhome and condo communities with shared rooflines. One entry point can let rats spread to several units, so we check next door too.
Sugar Springs and Royale Gardens
Mixed housing near the center of the city, with a lot of the mature tree canopy that gives roof rats a path to the house.
SW 61st Avenue and Kimberly Boulevard retail corridor
Shopping plazas and restaurants along the city’s main commercial strips. We see Norway rats around dumpsters and delivery areas here.
Willow Woods and Laurel Cove
Quieter residential pockets near the city’s western edge, close to Tamarac. Fence lines and hedges are the usual travel routes.
North Lauderdale through the year
How Seasons Affect Rodent Control in North Lauderdale
North Lauderdale sits on the edge of a tropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Rats stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Spring
Warming weather and new growth on hedges and trees give roof rats fresh cover to move closer to homes and start nesting.
Tip: Trim hedges and branches back from the roofline before summer.
Summer and hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Daily afternoon storms flood low areas and canal banks, pushing Norway rats toward garages and sheds. A direct hurricane hit can also open new gaps in soffits and roof edges.
Tip: After any storm, check the roofline and garage door seals for new gaps.
Fall
As storm season winds down, rats that were pushed toward buildings by summer rain often stay put and look for a dry place to nest for the cooler months.
Tip: Check the attic in the fall, before cooler weather sets in.
Winter
North Lauderdale winters are mild, so rats do not slow down the way they would up north. Cooler nights from December to February often push them into attics for warmth.
Tip: If you hear new noises in the attic in winter, get it checked before it grows into a bigger problem.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your North Lauderdale Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim hedges, ficus and tree branches away from the roof
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds, carports and storage areas free of clutter
- Close garage doors at night and fix worn seals
- Keep trash cans closed and away from the house at night
- Ask your HOA about landscaping that touches shared rooflines
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, before it spreads to a shared wall
Our approach
How We Handle Common Rodent Problems in North Lauderdale
North Lauderdale is not one kind of property. What we do at an older single-family home in North Lauderdale Estates is different from what we do at a townhome in Kimberly Village.
Rats Along Fence Lines and Hedges
Homes built during the 1970s development boom often have aging soffits and mature hedges that give roof rats a direct path from the fence line to the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and yard, trim recommendations included, then seal soffit and vent gaps with metal and hardware cloth.
Rats Moving Through a Shared Roofline
In attached communities, a rat that gets into one unit’s attic can travel through the shared roof space into the units on either side.
Our approach: We check the full building’s roofline, not just one unit, and coordinate sealing with the HOA or neighboring owner when the entry point is shared.
Norway Rats Near Dumpsters and Canals
Ground-floor rats gather around dumpster pads, loading areas and drainage canals that cut through the city’s commercial strips.
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, shared walls or large amounts, call us instead
Primary North Lauderdale response zone
North Lauderdale service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
North Lauderdale covers 2 ZIP codes. We serve both, plus the surrounding cities. Call if you are not sure your address is covered.
3306833319
Areas we serve
Check my address →
North Lauderdale Estates · North Lauderdale Village · Broadview Estates · Cross Creek · Kimberly Village · Hampton Pines · Sugar Springs · Royale Gardens · Willow Woods · Laurel Cove
Reviews from North Lauderdale customers
Customer Reviews from North Lauderdale
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my North Lauderdale home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.North Lauderdale, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled my rodent issue quickly. I appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.North Lauderdale, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for my rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.North Lauderdale, FL
Verified North Lauderdale rodent control FAQ
FAQs About Rodent Control in North Lauderdale
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.
Yes. Many North Lauderdale townhome and condo buildings, including communities like Kimberly Village and Hampton Pines, share a continuous roofline and attic space. A rat that gets into one unit can travel through that shared space into the units next door, so we check the whole building, not just one unit.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls or ceilings where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, and in attached homes that smell can reach a neighboring unit. 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.
It can. Heavy rain floods low areas and canal banks, pushing Norway rats toward garages and sheds, and wind can open new gaps in soffits and roof edges. If your property had storm damage, 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 also serve Tamarac, Margate, Lauderhill and Coconut Creek. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in North Lauderdale
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in North Lauderdale
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
North Lauderdale dispatch is ready
Rats in Your North Lauderdale 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 North Lauderdale 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 North LauderdaleNorth Lauderdale, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
