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 Orlando rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Orlando, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Orlando homes and businesses, from the oak-shaded bungalows of College Park and Lake Eola Heights to the new construction in Lake Nona and Horizon West. 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 Orlando.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Orlando
Why Orlando Homes Keep Getting Rats
Orlando is built around more than 100 lakes, including Lake Eola in the middle of downtown and the Conway chain of lakes to the south. Warm weather most of the year, mature live oaks and backyard citrus trees in the older neighborhoods, and new subdivisions going up on the edges of the city all give rats a lot of ways to get close to a house.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Orlando. They travel along oak limbs and power lines in neighborhoods like College Park, Lake Eola Heights and Delaney Park, then drop onto the roof and get in through soffit gaps, vents and the spot where the roofline meets the wall. Many of these homes were built between the 1920s and the 1950s and still have original attic vents with no screens.
Norway rats and house mice show up more near water and in newer construction. We find Norway rats along the shorelines of Lake Conway and Lake Ivanhoe and around dumpsters behind restaurants and hotels on International Drive, and house mice getting into kitchens and garages in the newer block homes going up in Lake Nona and Horizon West. Every part of Orlando has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Orlando
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Orlando
Most Orlando 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 Orlando homes, from 1920s bungalows in College Park to new construction in Lake Nona.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for hotels, restaurants and shops along International Drive and near the Orange County Convention Center.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, roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Orlando homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in an Orlando Home
Rodents move at night, so most Orlando 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.
Half-eaten citrus
Hollowed oranges or grapefruit still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign in older Orlando yards.
A strong, musty smell
Urine and nesting material leave a sharp odor, often strongest in closets, cabinets and the attic hatch.
Pets acting strange
Dogs or cats staring at a wall, sniffing under appliances or pawing at a cabinet often sense rodents first.
Know what you are dealing with
Which Rodent Is in Your Orlando Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Orlando, Norway rats show up near lakes, dumpsters and garages, and house mice get into kitchens and pantries. 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 canopies and thick shrubs
- Droppings
- Up to 1/2 inch, pointed ends
Norway Rat
Rattus norvegicus- Size
- 3/4 to 1 pound
- Tail
- About as long as its head and body
- Nests
- Burrows under slabs, sheds, rubbish and along lake shorelines
- 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 Orlando 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 and slab edges
- Oak limbs, vines and branches touching the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen citrus
- Signs of activity: droppings, grease rub marks and gnawing
Our Exclusion-First Plan
Trapping alone does not fix the problem if the openings stay open. We close the way in first, then remove the rodents already inside.
- Find every entry pointA rat can fit through a 1/2 inch gap and a mouse through a 1/4 inch gap, so we check all openings that size.
- Seal with rodent-proof materialsSheet metal, 1/4 inch hardware cloth or concrete. Rodents chew through foam and plastic.
- Trap and removeTraps are set where activity is highest and checked on follow-up visits.
- Clean up and preventWe remove droppings and nesting material and show you what to change to keep rodents out.
Health Risks From Rodents
The CDC links rats and mice to several diseases. People can get sick from contact with droppings, urine or saliva, from bites, or from breathing dust from contaminated areas.
- Do not sweep or vacuum droppings. It can put germs in the air.
- Air out the area for 30 minutes and wear rubber or plastic gloves.
- Spray with disinfectant or 1 part bleach to 9 parts water and let it soak 5 minutes.
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the waste in a covered trash can.
Source: CDC rodent control and cleanup guidance.
FDACS
Florida Licensing: What to Check
In Florida, pest control companies are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) under Chapter 482, Florida Statutes. Rodent work falls under the General Household Pest and rodent control category.
- Ask any company for its FDACS business license number before work starts
- Look the license up on the FDACS website
- Make sure the company carries liability insurance
- Get the treatment plan and follow-up schedule in writing
Our team is EPA and FDACS certified. Call (561) 562-7607 with any questions.
Inspection checklist
What We Check During an Orlando Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the yard. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1930s bungalow in College Park and a new build in Lake Nona have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including original vents with no screens on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile and shingle roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Oak limbs and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Lakefront yards and seawalls near Lake Conway, Lake Ivanhoe and neighborhood ponds
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Citrus trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Pool equipment and screen enclosure gaps
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 Orlando Homes
Setting traps without sealing the openings only buys time. We follow the same 5 steps on every job so the rats do not come back.
- 1
Inspect
We walk the property, check the attic and mark every entry point and sign of activity.
- 2
Seal
Openings are closed with metal flashing, 1/4 inch hardware cloth, mesh and mortar. We do not rely on foam.
- 3
Trap
Traps go on the paths rats use. We check them on return visits and remove what we catch.
- 4
Clean
Droppings and nests are removed and the area is disinfected. We tell you if insulation needs replacing.
- 5
Confirm
We come back until there are no new signs, then give you simple tips to keep it that way.
The number of visits depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Health and safety
Why Rodents in the Home Are a Health Risk
According to the CDC, rats and mice can spread disease through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns.
Hantavirus
Can spread when dust from dried droppings or urine is stirred up and breathed in. This is why you should never sweep droppings.
Leptospirosis
Spread through water or soil that has rodent urine in it. Standing water around lakes and ponds 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 Orlando 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 and ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only old homes get rats
- Fact: New construction in Lake Nona and Horizon West gets rats too. They come for shelter, water and citrus trees, not just an old house.
- Myth: Steel wool or foam will seal the hole
- Fact: Rats can pull out steel wool and chew through foam. Openings need metal, hardware cloth or mortar.
- Myth: A cat will take care of it
- Fact: Cats may catch a few, but they do not reach attics or wall voids and do not close entry points.
- Myth: The noise stopped, so they are gone
- Fact: Rats often move to a different part of the attic. Until the openings are sealed, they can return any night.
- Myth: Orlando’s mild winters mean fewer rats indoors
- Fact: Central Florida winters rarely get cold enough to slow rats down. They look for warm, dry attics all year, just for different reasons in each season.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic or along a lakefront yard 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, lakes and undeveloped land.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats along a lakefront seawall or dock | Shoreline is hard to seal on your own | Ground-level sealing with hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Orlando
Rodent Control for Orlando Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Orlando
From oak-shaded bungalows in College Park and Lake Eola Heights to block-and-stucco homes in Lake Nona and Horizon West, each Orlando home 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 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.
- Historic bungalows
- Lakefront homes
- Block and tile homes
- Rentals and condos
Commercial Rodent Control in Orlando
Hotels, restaurants and shops along International Drive and near the Orange County Convention Center deal with daily deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants and hotels are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Hotels and resorts
- Restaurants
- Retail stores
- Offices
- Property managers
Scheduled service
Regular visits to check traps and stations, planned around your business hours.
Written visit logs
A record of each visit that you can show a manager or inspector.
Door and loading area sealing
Door sweeps and gaps at docks and walls closed with rodent-proof materials.
Trash and storage advice
Simple changes to dumpster areas and dry storage that make your site less attractive to rats.
How Orlando homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Orlando Home
Orlando has homes from the 1920s alongside brand new subdivisions. The way a house is built tells us where to look first.
Older homes: College Park, Lake Eola Heights, Delaney Park
- 1920s to 1950s bungalows with original attic vents that have no screens
- Soffits and fascia boards that have aged and pulled away from the roofline
- Big live oaks with limbs that touch the roof
- Older garages with worn door seals
- Backyard citrus trees that draw roof rats close to the house
Newer homes: Lake Nona, Horizon West, Avalon Park
- Block-and-stucco homes with tile roofs and garage-forward designs
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through the block
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- New subdivisions built next to preserves, ponds and undeveloped land
- Landscaping still filling in, which pushes rodents toward the house for cover
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Orlando, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Orlando is a big city with very different neighborhoods. Here is what we usually check first in each one.
Downtown, Thornton Park and Lake Eola Heights
Historic bungalows and mid-rises around Lake Eola. Oak canopy gives roof rats an easy path to older roofs, and restaurant dumpsters draw Norway rats downtown.
College Park and Baldwin Park
1920s to 1950s bungalows under mature oaks. Original vents and aging soffits are the usual entry points here.
Dr. Phillips and the Lake Conway shoreline
Lakefront homes with docks and seawalls. Norway rats burrow along the shoreline and in dense landscaping near the water.
International Drive corridor
Hotels, restaurants and attractions near the Orange County Convention Center. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Lake Nona and Horizon West
New subdivisions built near ponds and preserved land. Rodents move in from the surrounding open land, so sealing early matters.
Pine Hills and Union Park
Older ranch homes with mature landscaping. Garage corners and attic vents are the usual weak spots.
Orlando through the year
How Orlando Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Orlando has a humid subtropical climate with daily summer thunderstorms and winters too mild to slow rodents down. They stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels around Lake Conway, Lake Ivanhoe and neighborhood ponds, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and higher ground.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Ian brought historic inland flooding to the Orlando area in September 2022, and storm winds regularly damage soffits and roof vents across the city. Both give rats new ways in.
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 Orlando homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Citrus season
Backyard oranges and grapefruit in older Orlando neighborhoods are an easy meal for roof rats, and a reason they stay close to the house.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Orlando Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, dock and garage
- Trim oak branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen oranges and grapefruit daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep seawalls, docks and shoreline landscaping free of clutter
- Store lawn and pool gear off the floor
- 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 Orlando
Orlando is not one kind of house. What we do at a 1930s bungalow in College Park is different from what we do at a new build in Lake Nona.
Original Vents and Aging Soffits
Homes built between the 1920s and 1950s often still have original attic vents with no screens, and soffits that have pulled away from the roofline with age.
Our approach: We inspect the attic and roofline, seal vents and soffit gaps with hardware cloth and metal, then trap inside until activity stops.
Norway Rats Near Water
Norway rats burrow along seawalls, docks and dense shoreline landscaping around Orlando’s lakes.
Our approach: We inspect the shoreline and dock area, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Even new block-and-stucco homes get rats through garage door corners, AC line openings and tile roof edges.
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 Orlando response zone
Orlando service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Orlando has dozens of ZIP codes. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city and Orange County. Call if you do not see yours.
3280132803328043280632808328093281232817328193282132822328253282832835
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Downtown Orlando · Thornton Park · Lake Eola Heights · College Park · Baldwin Park · Dr. Phillips · International Drive · Lake Nona · Horizon West · Pine Hills · Union Park
Reviews from Orlando customers
Customer Reviews from Orlando
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my College Park home. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
James D.Orlando, 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
Sandra M.Orlando, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They knew the area well and offered a real solution instead of a quick trap-and-go visit.”
TL
Tom L.Orlando, FL
Verified Orlando rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Orlando Customers
Have a question that is not listed? Call and a team member will help.
Call (561) 562-7607 →Most homes need a first visit for the inspection and sealing, then follow-up visits over the next few weeks to check traps. The exact number depends on how many rats are inside and how many openings the home has. We tell you what to expect after the first inspection.
Homes in College Park, Lake Eola Heights and Delaney Park were mostly built between the 1920s and 1950s and often still have original attic vents with no screens, plus soffits that have aged and pulled away from the roofline. We seal those openings with hardware cloth and metal.
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.
In many neighborhoods, yes. Hurricane Ian caused historic inland flooding across the Orlando area in September 2022, and wind damage from storms regularly opens new gaps in soffits and roof vents. If your home had storm repairs, it is worth having the roofline checked.
The CDC advises not to sweep or vacuum droppings. Air out the area, wear gloves, spray the droppings with disinfectant or a bleach solution, let it soak for 5 minutes, then wipe up with paper towels. For attics or large amounts, call us.
Pest control businesses in Florida are licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). You can look up a license on the FDACS website before you hire anyone.
Yes. We also serve Winter Park, Doctor Phillips, Ocoee and Apopka. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Orlando
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Orlando
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Orlando dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Orlando 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 Orlando 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 OrlandoOrlando, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
