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 Ocala rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Ocala, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings in the feed room? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Ocala homes, farms and businesses, from the century-old houses in the Historic District to the horse farms and new subdivisions on the edge of town. 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 Ocala.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Ocala
Why Ocala Has Rats and Mice Year-Round
Ocala sits inland in Marion County, home to Silver Springs and the Ocklawaha River, with a humid subtropical climate that never gets cold enough to slow rodents down. The city is known as the Horse Capital of the World, with more than 400 thoroughbred farms and the World Equestrian Center nearby. Barns, hay storage and feed rooms give rats and mice a steady food source, so rural and horse country properties see rodent pressure that most Florida cities do not.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often inside Ocala homes. They travel along oak limbs and power lines, then get into the attic through soffit gaps and roof vents. In the Historic District and older neighborhoods near downtown, aging wood siding, older soffits and mature oak canopy give roof rats easy access to century-old homes.
Norway rats and house mice are the bigger problem on the edges of town. On horse farms and rural properties in northwest Marion County, rats and mice nest in hay stacks, feed rooms and tack sheds. In newer subdivisions in south Ocala and Marion Oaks, they get in through garage doors, AC line gaps and open soffits on block-and-stucco construction. We inspect each property based on how it is built and what is around it.
Services available in Ocala
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Ocala
Most Ocala jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic, garage and farmhouse rat removal for Ocala homes, from the Historic District to horse farms in Marion County.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for restaurants and shops near the downtown square and along Pine Avenue.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, ceiling or barn? We find and remove the dead rodent, then clean and deodorize the area.Learn More →
Rodent CleanupRemoval of droppings, urine and nests from attics, garages and feed rooms, with advice on insulation replacement.Learn More →
Rodent ExterminatorEPA and FDACS certified technicians who use traps indoors and around barns, and follow product labels around kids, pets and horses.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, feed room sealing and tree trimming advice for Ocala homes and farms.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Ocala Home
Rodents move at night, so most Ocala 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, attic or feed room
Dark pellets about 1/2 inch long point to rats. Tiny ones about 1/8 inch point to mice. Feed rooms and tack rooms are common spots on horse properties.
Chewed wires or feed bags
Rats gnaw on wiring, irrigation lines and feed sacks. This can lead to shorts, leaks and spoiled feed.
Tunnels through hay or grain
Hollowed-out hay bales or gnawed grain bags are a classic sign on horse farms and rural properties around Ocala.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets, barns and the attic hatch.
Pets or horses acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall or pawing at a cabinet, or horses spooking near a feed room, often means rodents are nearby.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Ocala Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls inside the city, Norway rats and house mice are common on horse farms, feed rooms and rural properties in Marion County, and house mice also get into kitchens and pantries in town. 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 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 barns, sheds, hay stacks and slabs
- 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, feed rooms and appliances
- Droppings
- About 1/8 inch, rod shaped
What Our Inspection Covers
Every job in Ocala 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
- Barns, feed rooms, tack rooms and hay storage on rural properties
- Oak trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and feed bags
- 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 an Ocala Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the barn. What we check depends on how the property is built and whether it is a home in town or a farm on the edge of Marion County.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Gaps where roof lines meet walls or additions
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level, yard and farm buildings
- Pipe and AC line openings, dryer vent gaps
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Barns, run-in sheds and hay storage buildings
- Feed rooms, tack rooms and grain bins
- Woodpiles, brush piles and storage areas
- Pet food, bird feeders and open trash
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 Ocala Properties
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 or barn 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 or feed storage needs to change.
- 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents on Your Property 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, including in barns and feed rooms. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water after heavy rain can be a concern on rural properties.
Salmonellosis
Food, feed 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, horses 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 or barns.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Ocala Homeowners
A lot of common advice makes a rat problem last longer. Here is what actually works.
- Myth: Poison is the fastest fix on a farm
- Fact: Poisoned rats often die inside walls, barns or feed rooms, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap instead, and keep bait away from horses and pets.
- Myth: Only messy properties get rats
- Fact: Well-kept horse farms get rats too. Rats come for hay, grain and shelter, not just trash.
- 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 barn cat will take care of it
- Fact: Barn cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics, wall voids or grain bins 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 barn. 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 in a feed room 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 an attic or a barn 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, pastures and neighboring farms.
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 a feed room or barn | Feed and hay keep attracting more | Full inspection and sealing plan |
| Chewed wires or feed bags | Risk of fire or spoiled feed | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls or barns | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats under an older home | Crawl space is hard to reach and seal | Skirting and vent sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Ocala
Rodent Control for Ocala Homes, Farms and Businesses
Residential and Farm Rodent Control in Ocala
From older homes near the Historic District to horse farms and new subdivisions in Marion County, each property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, barns and feed rooms, 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.
Barn and feed room 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, pets and horses.
Cleanup and disinfecting
We remove droppings and nests and tell you if insulation or feed storage should change.
- Historic homes
- Horse farms
- Block and stucco homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Ocala
Restaurants and shops near the downtown square and along Pine Avenue, plus feed stores, tack shops and equestrian facilities near the World Equestrian Center, 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
- Feed and tack stores
- Equestrian facilities
- 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.
Feed and storage advice
Simple changes to grain and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Ocala properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Ocala Property
Ocala has everything from 1880s homes near downtown to modern horse farms. The way a property is built and used tells us where to look first.
Older homes near downtown
- Homes in the Historic District and around Tuscawilla Park have aging soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Gaps in skirting, crawl space vents and rotted sill boards on raised, older homes
- Older wood siding with gaps at the roofline
- Mature oaks that touch the roof
Horse farms and newer subdivisions
- Horse farms in northwest Marion County near the World Equestrian Center store hay and grain that draw rats and mice
- Barns, run-in sheds and fence lines give rodents cover close to the house
- Block-and-stucco homes in south Ocala and Marion Oaks with garage door and AC line gaps
- New construction near pastures and wooded lots on the edge of the Ocala National Forest
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Ocala, Area by Area
Ocala has very different areas within the same city. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Historic District and downtown square
Homes and brick storefronts dating back over a century, some on the National Register of Historic Places. Aging soffits and attic vents let roof rats in. We seal skirting, vents and rooflines.
Tuscawilla Park and northeast Ocala
Established homes near the park with mature oak canopy. Roof rats travel the branches and drop onto the roof.
Northwest Ocala horse farm country
Home to many of the area’s 400-plus thoroughbred farms and the World Equestrian Center. Rats and mice nest in hay, feed rooms and barns.
Southwest Ocala
A mix of older and newer block homes along the SR 200 corridor. Garage doors and AC line gaps are the usual entry points.
East Ocala and Silver Springs area
Homes closer to Silver Springs State Park and wooded lots, where rats and mice move indoors from the surrounding tree cover.
South Ocala near Marion Oaks
Newer subdivisions bordering pasture and undeveloped land. Sealing early keeps rodents from moving in as lots around them are cleared.
Ocala through the year
How Ocala Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Ocala has a humid subtropical climate with hot, humid summers and winters mild enough that rodents stay active all year. The weather changes where they go and how visible they are.
Hot, humid summers
Afternoon storms and standing water push Norway rats out of low ground and toward barns, sheds and garages.
Tip: Keep garage doors and feed room doors closed when not in use.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Ocala is inland, so it usually sees wind and rain rather than storm surge. Hurricane Milton knocked out power to more than 45,000 Marion County customers in October 2024, and downed limbs and storm debris can open new gaps in soffits and barns.
Tip: After a storm, walk the roofline and check barns for new gaps.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics and barns. This is when many Ocala homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and barn openings in the fall, before cooler weather.
Hay and grain season
Fresh hay deliveries and open grain storage on horse farms are an easy meal for rats and mice, and a reason they stay close to the barn.
Tip: Store grain in metal bins and stack hay off the ground.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Ocala Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, barn and garage
- Trim oak branches away from the roof
- Store hay off the ground and grain in metal bins
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed containers
- Keep feed rooms, tack rooms and stalls free of spilled grain
- Store equipment and tools off the floor in sheds
- 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 Ocala
Ocala is not one kind of property. What we do at an older home near downtown is different from what we do at a horse farm off SR 200.
Roof Rats in Aging Rooflines
Homes built in the late 1800s and early 1900s often have older soffits, attic vents with no screens and mature oak canopy that gives roof rats an easy path to the roof.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic, seal gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap inside the attic until activity stops.
Rats and Mice in Hay and Feed
Barns, feed rooms and hay storage on horse farms near the World Equestrian Center give rodents a steady food source and cover close to the house.
Our approach: We inspect barns and feed storage, recommend metal grain bins, and trap and seal gaps in barn walls and doors.
Garage and AC Line Gaps
Newer block-and-stucco homes still get rats through garage doors, AC line openings and gaps where new construction meets pasture or wooded lots.
Our approach: We check the garage and exterior walls first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family and animals 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, barns or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Ocala response zone
Ocala service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Ocala has 14 ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Marion County. Call if you do not see yours.
344703447134472344733447434475344763447934480344813448234483
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Historic District · Downtown Ocala · Tuscawilla Park · Northeast Ocala · Southwest Ocala · Northwest Ocala horse farm country · East Ocala near Silver Springs · South Ocala
Reviews from Ocala customers
Customer Reviews from Ocala
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at our home near downtown Ocala. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
RH
Rebecca H.Ocala, FL
Verified★★★★★
“We had rats in the feed room on our farm and they sealed it up fast. Professional and they explained everything they found.”
DM
Dan M.Ocala, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew the area well and offered effective solutions for our attic rat problem.”
TL
Teresa L.Ocala, FL
Verified Ocala rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Ocala Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most properties 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 property has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Often, yes. Hay storage, grain bins and feed rooms give rats and mice a steady food source, so horse farms in Marion County can see more activity than a typical house in town. Sealing feed storage and barns makes the biggest difference.
We do not recommend it. Poisoned rats often die inside walls, ceilings or barns where you cannot reach them, which causes a strong smell, and poison bait can be a risk around horses and pets. Trapping 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.
In some cases, yes. Hurricane Milton knocked out power to more than 45,000 Marion County customers in October 2024, and wind damage or downed limbs can open new gaps in soffits, roofs and barns. If your property had storm damage, it is worth having the roofline and outbuildings 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, barns 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 Silver Springs Shores, Marion Oaks, Dunnellon and The Villages. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Ocala
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Ocala
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Ocala dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Ocala Home, Farm or Business?
Call now. We will inspect the property, show you where rodents are getting in, and seal it so they stay out.
Request Ocala 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 OcalaOcala, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
