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 Palmetto Bay rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Palmetto Bay, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings under a mango tree? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Palmetto Bay homes and businesses, from the wooded estate lots along Old Cutler Road to the ranch homes near the Franjo Triangle. 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 Palmetto Bay.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Palmetto Bay
Why Palmetto Bay Has a Year-Round Rat Problem
Palmetto Bay calls itself the Village of Parks, and that is not just a slogan. Large wooded lots, mature oak hammocks and old fruit trees cover much of the village, and that same tree canopy that makes it a nice place to live also gives roof rats a highway straight onto the roof.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most in Palmetto Bay. They travel through the tree canopy along Old Cutler Road, around the Charles Deering Estate and Thalatta Estate Park, and through the mango, avocado and oak trees on the older estate lots, then drop onto the roof and enter through soffit gaps, tile roof edges and vents. Many homes here were built in the 1950s and 1960s, before rodent-proof construction standards, so gaps around fascia boards and attic vents are common.
Norway rats stay closer to the ground. We find them around dumpsters and loading areas at the small commercial strips along US-1 and Franjo Triangle, in sheds and woodpiles on the larger lots, and in garages of the newer homes built after Hurricane Andrew. Every part of the village has rodents, just for different reasons, so we inspect each property as its own job.
Services available in Palmetto Bay
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Palmetto Bay
Most Palmetto Bay jobs combine a few of these: an inspection, sealing, trapping and cleanup. Choose a service to learn more, or call and we will tell you what your property needs.
Residential Rodent ControlAttic and roofline rat removal for Palmetto Bay homes, from 1950s ranch houses near Old Cutler Road to newer construction near the Franjo Triangle.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for shops and offices along US-1, Coral Reef Drive and the Franjo Triangle.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, tile roof edge sealing and tree trimming advice for Palmetto Bay homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Palmetto Bay Home
Rodents move at night, so most Palmetto Bay 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 fruit
Hollowed mangoes, avocados or citrus still on the tree or on the ground are a classic roof rat sign on Palmetto Bay’s wooded lots.
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 Palmetto Bay Home?
Roof rats cause most attic calls in Palmetto Bay because of the mature tree canopy, Norway rats show up near dumpsters and woodpiles, 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 hammocks and fruit trees
- 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, woodpiles and near dumpsters
- 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 Palmetto Bay 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
- Oak, mango and avocado trees touching or overhanging the roof
- Food sources: garbage, pet food, bird seed and fallen fruit
- 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 Palmetto Bay Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the tree canopy to the foundation. What we check depends on how the home is built, since a 1950s ranch house and an estate lot on Old Cutler Road have very different weak spots.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps, including rotted wood on older homes
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Tile 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, mango and avocado branches touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas on larger lots
- Fruit trees, bird feeders and pet food
- Fence lines and dense understory near wooded parcels
- 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 Palmetto Bay 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 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 Palmetto Bay 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 older homes get rats
- Fact: New construction near the Franjo Triangle gets rats too, since the wooded lots and fruit trees next door do not care how new the house is.
- 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 the tree canopy 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 or tree canopy 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 oaks and fruit trees next door.
Ask a technician →| Situation | DIY | Professional |
|---|---|---|
| One mouse seen once | Snap traps may be enough | Call if it comes back |
| Noises in the attic | Hard to reach and seal safely | Roofline sealing and attic trapping |
| Droppings in several rooms | Usually means many rodents | Full inspection and plan |
| Chewed wires or AC lines | Risk of fire or leaks | Find the source and seal it |
| Dead rodent smell | Hard to locate in walls | Locate, remove and deodorize |
| Rats coming from a wooded lot next door | Openings reopen as fast as you seal them | Full exclusion with metal and hardware cloth |
Who we serve in Palmetto Bay
Rodent Control for Palmetto Bay Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Palmetto Bay
From 1950s and 1960s ranch homes near Old Cutler Road and Palmetto Estates to newer construction closer to the Franjo Triangle, each Palmetto Bay home has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage and yard, then seal the openings rats are using, with extra attention to the tree canopy that gives roof rats a way onto the house.
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.
- Estate lots
- Ranch homes
- Newer construction
- Rentals and townhomes
Commercial Rodent Control in Palmetto Bay
Palmetto Bay is mostly residential, but the small shopping strips and offices along US-1, Coral Reef Drive and the Franjo Triangle still deal with deliveries, shared dumpsters and doors that open all day. Florida restaurants are inspected by the DBPR Division of Hotels and Restaurants, and signs of rodents are something inspectors look for.
- Retail strips
- Restaurants
- Offices
- Property managers
- HOAs
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 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 Palmetto Bay homes are built
Where Rats Get In, by Type of Palmetto Bay Home
Palmetto Bay has homes from the 1950s through today, sitting on lots that range from small to over an acre. The way a property is built, and how much tree cover surrounds it, tells us where to look first.
Older ranch homes and estate lots
- 1950s and 1960s ranch homes near Old Cutler Road and Palmetto Estates with original soffits and vents
- Wooded estate lots with oak hammocks that let rats travel to the roof without touching the ground
- Mango, avocado and citrus trees that draw roof rats close to the house
- Older attic vents with no screens
- Detached sheds and workshops on larger parcels
Newer homes and townhomes
- Newer construction and townhomes closer to the Franjo Triangle and US-1
- Open tile roof edges and ridge caps that rats slip under
- Gaps where AC lines, cable and plumbing pass through exterior walls
- Garage door corners and pool screen enclosure frames
- Fence lines shared with wooded lots next door
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Palmetto Bay, Area by Area
Palmetto Bay is not one kind of property. Here is what we usually check first in different parts of the village.
Old Cutler Road corridor
Home to the Charles Deering Estate and dense oak hammocks. Wooded lots along this stretch give roof rats a route straight to the roofline.
Palmetto Estates area
Older ranch homes bordering the village to the west. Original soffits and vents are the usual weak point.
Thalatta Estate Park and coastal lots
The 1926 Mediterranean Revival house sits near the water on the eastern edge of the village. Nearby homes deal with Norway rats along fence lines and landscaping.
Franjo Triangle and US-1 corridor
The village’s small commercial strip. We set up scheduled commercial service with written logs for shops and restaurants here.
Coral Reef Drive corridor
A mix of homes and small offices near the schools. Fence lines and dense landscaping are common entry points.
Cutler area, south of the village
Formerly the Cutler census-designated place before the 2002 incorporation. Larger lots and older tree cover here mean the same roofline checks apply.
Palmetto Bay through the year
How South Florida Weather Changes Rodent Activity in Palmetto Bay
Palmetto Bay 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 flood low yards and burrows, pushing Norway rats toward garages, sheds and dry ground under the house.
Tip: Keep garage doors closed and clear stored items off the floor.
Hurricane season (June 1 to November 30)
Hurricane Andrew severely damaged homes and businesses across the area in August 1992, and the village still watches storm season closely. Wind damage to soffits and roof tiles gives rats a fast way in after any major storm.
Tip: After any storm, walk around the house and check the roofline before it rains again.
Mild winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Palmetto Bay homeowners first hear them overhead.
Tip: Check vents and soffits in the fall, before cooler weather.
Mango and avocado season
Backyard mangoes, avocados and citrus are an easy meal for roof rats on Palmetto Bay’s wooded lots, 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 Palmetto Bay Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard and garage
- Trim oak limbs and fruit tree branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep sheds and workshops on larger lots 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 Palmetto Bay
Palmetto Bay is not one kind of property. What we do at an estate lot on Old Cutler Road is different from what we do at a strip center near the Franjo Triangle.
Roof Rats Traveling Through the Canopy
Wooded estate lots and mature oak hammocks let roof rats move from tree to roof without ever touching the ground, and original soffits and vents on 1950s and 1960s homes give them a way inside.
Our approach: We inspect the roofline and any tree limbs touching the house, seal soffit and vent gaps with metal and hardware cloth, then trap in the attic until activity stops.
Garage and Roofline Gaps
Newer construction still gets rats through garage doors, AC line openings and tile roof edges, especially where a lot backs up to older wooded parcels.
Our approach: We check the garage and roofline first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Norway Rats Near Dumpsters and Storage
Small shopping strips and offices along US-1 and Coral Reef Drive deal with Norway rats around dumpsters, loading areas and dry storage.
Our approach: We inspect the dumpster area and building perimeter, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family safe.
Call (561) 562-7607- Do not sweep or vacuum the droppings
- Open windows and let the area air out for 30 minutes
- Wear rubber or plastic gloves
- Spray with disinfectant or a bleach solution and let it soak 5 minutes
- Wipe up with paper towels and bag the trash
- For attics or large amounts, call us instead
Primary Palmetto Bay response zone
Palmetto Bay service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Palmetto Bay covers 3 main ZIP codes. We serve all of them, plus the surrounding villages and unincorporated areas. Call if you do not see yours.
331573315833176
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Old Cutler Road corridor · Palmetto Estates area · Franjo Triangle · Coral Reef Drive · Thalatta Estate Park area · Cutler area
Reviews from Palmetto Bay customers
Customer Reviews from Palmetto Bay
4.9★★★★★Customer rated
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my home near Old Cutler Road. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Palmetto Bay, 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.Palmetto Bay, 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.Palmetto Bay, FL
Verified Palmetto Bay rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Palmetto Bay 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.
The oak hammocks and mature tree canopy along Old Cutler Road, including around the Charles Deering Estate, give roof rats a way to travel from tree to tree and drop straight onto a roof without crossing open ground. Trimming branches back and sealing the roofline both help.
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.
Yes, in many cases. Palmetto Bay was hit hard by Hurricane Andrew in 1992, and any major storm since has caused the same kind of problem on a smaller scale: wind damage opens gaps in soffits and roof tiles, and rats move fast once there is a way in. 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 Pinecrest, Cutler Bay, Kendall and Coral Gables. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Outside Palmetto Bay?
Nearby Cities We Serve
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Palmetto Bay
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Palmetto Bay
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Palmetto Bay dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Palmetto Bay 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 Palmetto Bay 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 Palmetto BayPalmetto Bay, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
