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 Pace rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Pace, FL
Scratching in the attic at night or droppings in the garage? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Pace homes and businesses, from new subdivisions carved out of the pine woods to older homes near Floridatown and Pea Ridge. 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 Pace.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Pace
Why Pace’s Growth Means More Rats, Not Fewer
Pace is the second-largest community in Santa Rosa County, and it grew 171.1 percent between 2000 and 2010 and another 22.8 percent between 2010 and 2020, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Most of that growth is new subdivisions built into what used to be pine woods and open land north of Pensacola, and that matters for rodents.
Roof rats displaced from the wooded lots along the edges of town are the rodent we remove most in Pace. As builders clear land for new streets, rats that were living in brush and tree lines move into the nearest attic instead. We see this most in newer neighborhoods that back up to undeveloped land or tree lines.
In the older parts of Pace, especially the Floridatown and Pea Ridge areas that are now part of the community, and homes closer to the Escambia River, Norway rats and house mice are more common. They nest in sheds, under porches and along drainage ditches and low ground near the river rather than in the attic. Every part of Pace has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Explore Pace services →
Services available in Pace
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Pace
Most Pace 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 crawl space rat removal for Pace homes, from newer subdivisions built into former pine woods to older homes near Floridatown.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and restaurants along Highway 90 and Chumuckla Highway.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, soffit sealing and tree-trimming advice for Pace homes near tree lines.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Pace Home
Rodents move at night, so most Pace 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.
Gnawed bags or boxes in the garage
Torn pet food bags, chewed cardboard, or holes in stored boxes are a common sign in Pace garages and sheds near tree lines.
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 Pace Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in newer Pace subdivisions built near tree lines, Norway rats and house mice are more common in older homes near Floridatown, Pea Ridge and low ground close to the Escambia River. 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, tree lines 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 sheds, porches and along ditches and low ground
- 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 Pace 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 any crawl space
- Tree lines and brush touching the roof or fence line
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and sheds
- 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 Pace Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built and how close it sits to woods or open land.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Roof edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Tree limbs and brush touching the roof or fence line
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Crawl spaces, sheds and porches, and low ground near ditches or the river
- Woodpiles and storage areas near tree lines
- Bird feeders and pet food left outside
- Fence lines that connect to wooded lots
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 Pace 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 near ditches and low ground 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 Pace 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 ceilings, which causes a strong smell for weeks. We trap inside the home instead.
- Myth: Only older homes near the woods get rats
- Fact: New homes in Pace’s newest subdivisions get rats too, often because the land they sit on was rat habitat a year or two earlier.
- 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 or dog will take care of it
- Fact: Pets 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: One rat is no big deal
- Fact: Rats breed quickly in Florida’s warm weather, so a few rats can turn into a much bigger problem in a short time.
DIY or pro
Should You Try DIY Rat Control First?
A single mouse in the kitchen can sometimes be handled with a few snap traps. Rats in the attic are a different job.
The problem with DIY: most store-bought fixes catch rats but leave the openings in place, so new rats move in from the nearest tree line or wooded lot.
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 |
| New construction backing to woods | Openings reopen as rats keep pressing in | Full perimeter sealing, not just traps |
Who we serve in Pace
Rodent Control for Pace Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Pace
From new construction backing up to tree lines to older homes near Floridatown and Pea Ridge, each Pace home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, crawl space, 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.
- New construction
- Homes near tree lines
- Rentals and mobile homes
- Older homes near Floridatown
Commercial Rodent Control in Pace
Shops and restaurants along Highway 90 and Chumuckla Highway deal with daily deliveries, 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
- 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 loading areas 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.
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Pace, Area by Area
Pace covers new subdivisions, older neighborhoods and land along the Escambia River. Here is what we usually check first in each part of town.
New subdivisions near tree lines
Pace grew nearly 23 percent from 2010 to 2020, mostly new homes built into pine woods. Rats displaced by construction move straight into the nearest attic.
Floridatown and Pea Ridge
These older communities are now part of Pace. Homes here tend to be established, with sheds and outbuildings that give Norway rats a place to nest.
Near the Escambia River
Low ground and ditches near the river hold water after rain. Norway rats burrow near standing water, so we check crawl spaces and foundations closely here.
Highway 90 and Chumuckla Highway corridor
Retail and restaurant space along the main commercial strip. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs here.
Around Pace High School
Established residential streets near the school district’s largest campus. Mature trees and mixed lot sizes mean both roof rats and Norway rats show up here.
Near the Pace Community Center
Mixed housing along Chumuckla Highway close to the county’s sports complex and community center. We check garages and sheds first in this area.
Pace through the year
How the Seasons Change Rodent Activity in Pace
The Florida Panhandle has a humid subtropical climate with hot, wet summers and mild winters. Rodents stay active all year in Pace, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June through September flood low ground near ditches and the Escambia River, pushing Norway rats toward sheds, garages and crawl spaces.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Wind and rain damage during storm season can open new gaps in soffits and roofs, and standing water can push rodents out of low areas and into homes.
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 Pace homeowners first hear them.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Spring construction season
Land clearing for new subdivisions often picks up in spring. Fresh clearing near your property is a good reason to check the roofline that same week.
Tip: If a lot near you is being cleared, have your home checked for new entry points.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Pace Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim branches and brush away from the roof and fence line
- Clear woodpiles and storage away from the house
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds and outbuildings free of clutter and gaps
- Store items off the floor in the garage
- 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 Pace
Pace is not one kind of property. What we do at a new build backing up to woods is different from what we do at an older home near the river.
Roof Rats Displaced by Construction
As new streets are cleared from pine woods, rats that lived in the brush move into the closest attic instead of relocating on their own.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and attic first, seal fresh gaps around vents and soffits, then trap until activity stops.
Norway Rats in Sheds and Outbuildings
Established properties often have sheds, porches and outbuildings that give ground-dwelling rats a dry place to nest close to the house.
Our approach: We check sheds, foundations and crawl spaces, then seal ground-level entry points and set traps where activity is highest.
Rodents Pushed In by Standing Water
Heavy rain and low ground near ditches and the river leave standing water that pushes Norway rats toward higher, drier ground, often a nearby home.
Our approach: We inspect the foundation and crawl space after wet weather, seal what we find, and follow up until the activity stops.
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 Pace response zone
Pace service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Pace’s main ZIP code is 32571. We cover the whole community and the rest of Santa Rosa County. Call if you are not sure your address is on the route.
32571
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Pace · Floridatown · Pea Ridge · areas near the Escambia River · the Highway 90 and Chumuckla Highway corridor
Reviews from Pace customers
Customer Reviews from Pace
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at our home in Pace. They were prompt and thorough, and we haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Pace, FL
Verified★★★★★
“The team was professional and handled our rodent issue quickly. We appreciated their attention to detail and the follow-up service they provided.”
SM
Sarah M.Pace, FL
Verified★★★★★
“I highly recommend Florida Rodent Control Pros. They were knowledgeable about the local area and offered effective solutions for our rodent problem.”
TL
Tom L.Pace, FL
Verified Pace rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Pace 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.
Sealing the entry points is what makes it last. Trapping alone without sealing means new rats from nearby woods or tree lines can move in later. Once the openings are closed with metal and hardware cloth, most Pace homes stay rodent free with normal yard upkeep.
Pace has grown fast, and a lot of new construction sits on land that was pine woods or open lots a year or two earlier. Rats displaced by clearing and grading often move straight into the nearest new attic, since it is warmer and safer than the ground.
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.
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 Ferry Pass, Gonzalez, Ensley and Brent. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Pace?
Nearby Cities Served from Pace
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Pace
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Pace
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Pace dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Pace 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 Pace 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 PacePace, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
