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 Opa-locka rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Opa-locka, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Opa-locka homes and businesses, from the Moorish Revival buildings near City Hall to the block homes along Sharazad Boulevard and Ali Baba Avenue. 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 Opa-locka.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Opa-locka
Why Opa-locka Has a Year-Round Rodent Problem
Opa-locka is a small city of about 4.5 square miles in Miami-Dade County, founded in 1926 by aviation pioneer Glenn Curtiss and chartered by 28 registered voters. Its city hall and many of its older buildings were built in a Moorish Revival style, and its streets carry names taken from the Arabian Nights, like Sharazad Boulevard and Ali Baba Avenue. South Florida’s subtropical climate means there is no real winter die-off, so rodents stay active every month of the year here.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Opa-locka. They travel along power lines, fences and tree limbs, then get into attics through gaps in soffits, roof vents and the decorative parapets, arches and ledges that give the city’s older Moorish Revival buildings their look, especially in the historic district around City Hall.
Norway rats and house mice show up more around the newer block-and-stucco homes and rental duplexes along Sharazad Boulevard, Sinbad Avenue and Ali Baba Avenue, and around the warehouses, hangars and industrial buildings near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport, where stored materials, loading docks and dumpsters give them food and shelter. Every part of Opa-locka has its own risk, so we inspect each property on its own.
Services available in Opa-locka
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Opa-locka
Most Opa-locka 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 rental duplex rat removal for Opa-locka homes, from historic buildings near City Hall to block homes on Sharazad Boulevard.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for warehouses and shops near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport and along the city’s commercial corridors.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 parapet gaps, soffits, roof vents, pipe gaps and warehouse dock doors 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, parapet and ledge sealing and tree trimming advice for Opa-locka properties.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Opa-locka Home
Rodents move at night, so most Opa-locka residents 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.
Grease marks along parapets and ledges
Dark rub marks along the decorative parapets and roof ledges common on Opa-locka’s older Moorish Revival buildings often mean rats are using them as a travel path.
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 Opa-locka Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Opa-locka, Norway rats show up more around warehouses, dumpsters and ground-level gaps, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries in homes and rentals of any age. 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 parapet gaps
- 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, dumpsters and warehouse floors
- 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 Opa-locka 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, parapets and decorative ledges
- Attic insulation for nests, trails and droppings
- Gaps around AC lines, pipes, cables and dryer vents
- Garage door seals, warehouse dock doors and exterior doors
- Foundation, slab edges and fence lines
- Trees, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, dumpsters, pet food and stored materials
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or mortar. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During an Opa-locka Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the property is built, since a 1920s Moorish Revival building and a warehouse near the airport have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood trim on older buildings
- Decorative parapets, arches and roof ledges on Moorish Revival structures
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree branches and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Warehouse and hangar dock doors near the airport
- Sheds, dumpster pads and storage areas
- Chain-link fence lines and gate gaps
- 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 Opa-locka 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 storage areas 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 property 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 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 Opa-locka Residents
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 property instead.
- Myth: Only old or run-down buildings get rats
- Fact: Well kept homes and businesses get rats too. Rats come for shelter, food and water, not just clutter.
- 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, parapets or warehouse rafters 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 building. 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 an attic or warehouse 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 buildings, fences and trees.
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 in a warehouse or storage building | Large space, hard to fully seal | Dock door and perimeter sealing plan |
Who we serve in Opa-locka
Rodent Control for Opa-locka Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Opa-locka
From historic buildings near City Hall to block-and-stucco homes and rental duplexes along Sharazad Boulevard and Ali Baba Avenue, each Opa-locka property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using.
Roofline and attic inspection
We check soffits, vents and parapet gaps, 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.
- Historic buildings
- Rental duplexes
- Block and stucco homes
- Multi-family properties
Commercial Rodent Control in Opa-locka
Warehouses, hangars and shops near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and dock 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.
- Warehouses
- Hangars and airport-adjacent buildings
- Retail stores
- Restaurants
- 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.
Dock 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 Opa-locka properties are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Opa-locka Property
Opa-locka has buildings from the 1920s alongside newer block homes and warehouses. The way a property is built tells us where to look first.
Historic Moorish Revival buildings
- Decorative parapets, arches and roof ledges near City Hall give rats a route onto the roof
- Older soffits and attic vents with no screens
- Rotted or gapped wood trim on aging structures
- Courtyard-style layouts with shared roof lines
- Older wiring that rats can chew through in attic spaces
Block homes, rental duplexes and warehouses
- Block-and-stucco homes and duplexes along Sharazad Boulevard, Sinbad Avenue and Ali Baba Avenue
- Garage door corners and gaps where AC lines and plumbing pass through the block
- Warehouse and hangar dock doors near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport
- Chain-link fence lines and gate gaps around industrial lots
- Dumpster pads and outdoor storage areas
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Opa-locka, Area by Area
Opa-locka is a compact city with a few very different areas. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown Opa-locka and City Hall
The Moorish Revival historic district. Decorative parapets, arches and ledges give roof rats a way onto older roofs. We seal these openings without changing the look of the building.
Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport area
Warehouses, hangars and industrial buildings with dock doors, storage and dumpsters. Norway rats and mice are the more common calls here.
Sharazad Boulevard, Sinbad Avenue and Ali Baba Avenue
Block-and-stucco homes and rental duplexes. Garage doors, roof edges and AC line gaps are the usual entry points.
Opa-locka Tri-Rail and Amtrak station area
A mix of shops and homes near the rail corridor. Dumpsters behind commercial buildings draw Norway rats at ground level.
Opa-locka through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Opa-locka has a subtropical climate with a record high of 98 degrees and a record low of only 33 degrees. There is no real cold season to slow rodents down, so they stay active all year, but the weather still changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Opa-locka gets over 60 inches of rain a year, and summer storms flood low ground and drainage areas, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and warehouse floors.
Tip: Keep garage doors and dock doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
High winds can loosen the decorative parapet trim and roof tiles on Opa-locka’s older buildings, opening new gaps for rats to use.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the property and check the roofline and parapets.
Mild winter months
Opa-locka’s record low is only 33 degrees, so on the occasional cool night rats look for warm attics and buildings, which is when many residents first hear them.
Tip: Check vents, soffits and parapet gaps in the fall, before cooler nights.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Opa-locka Property
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and storage areas
- Trim branches away from the roof and parapets
- Keep dumpster lids closed and pads clean
- Keep pet food and bird seed in sealed bins
- Keep fence lines and storage yards free of clutter
- Store materials off the floor in warehouses and garages
- Close garage and dock doors at night and fix worn seals
Inside the property
- Keep pantry food in hard, sealed containers
- Fix drips under sinks and at AC drain lines
- Use plastic bins in attics and storage rooms, 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 Opa-locka
Opa-locka is not one kind of property. What we do at a historic building near City Hall is different from what we do at a warehouse near the airport.
Nesting in Decorative Parapets and Arches
The parapets, arches and roof ledges that give these buildings their look also give roof rats an easy path onto the roof and into attic spaces.
Our approach: We inspect the parapets, ledges and soffits, seal gaps with metal and mortar that match the structure, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Docks and Dumpsters
Loading docks, stored materials and shared dumpsters near Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport give Norway rats food, water and shelter at ground level.
Our approach: We inspect the dock doors, perimeter and dumpster area, then seal ground-level entry points and set traps on a scheduled visit plan.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Block-and-stucco homes and rental duplexes along the city’s Arabian Nights-named streets get rats through garage doors, roof edges and AC line openings.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline 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 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 Opa-locka response zone
Opa-locka service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Opa-locka is mainly covered by ZIP code 33054, with a small Hialeah-shared portion in 33014. We cover the whole city and the rest of Miami-Dade County. Call if you do not see your ZIP.
3305433014
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Opa-locka · City Hall Historic District · Sharazad Boulevard · Sinbad Avenue · Ali Baba Avenue · Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport area · Tri-Rail station area
Reviews from Opa-locka customers
Customer Reviews from Opa-locka
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my Opa-locka home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Opa-locka, 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.Opa-locka, 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.Opa-locka, FL
Verified Opa-locka rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Opa-locka 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.
The decorative parapets, arches and roof ledges that give these historic buildings their look also create ledges and gaps rats can use to reach the roof and attic. We seal these openings with materials that match the structure.
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.
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.
Warehouses, hangars and industrial buildings near the airport often have loading docks, stored materials and shared dumpsters, which can draw Norway rats and mice at ground level. We inspect these properties on a scheduled visit plan.
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 Miami Gardens, Hialeah and Hialeah Gardens. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Opa-locka?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Opa-locka
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Opa-locka
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Opa-locka dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Opa-locka 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 Opa-locka 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 Opa-lockaOpa-locka, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
