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 Plantation rodent control team
Rodent Control and Rat Removal in Plantation, FL
Scratching in the attic or droppings along the garage wall? Florida Rodent Control Pros removes rats and mice from Plantation homes and businesses, from the canal-front lots in Plantation Acres and Melaleuca Isles to the gated communities in Jacaranda and Central Park. 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 Plantation.
Call (561) 562-7607
Why Plantation
Why Plantation Homes Get Rats Near the Canals
Plantation was built on drained Everglades wetland, and the North New River Canal and South New River Canal still cut through the city today, along with the Holloway Canal and dozens of smaller waterways feeding them. That much water, paired with mature oaks, ficus hedges and fruit trees planted since the city’s 1953 incorporation, gives rats two things they need most: a way to travel and a place to hide.
Roof rats are the rodent we remove most often in Plantation. They move through tree canopy and power lines in older, tree-lined sections near Historic Plantation and Broward Mall, then drop onto rooflines and get into attics through soffit gaps and roof vents. In neighborhoods with heavy landscaping, like Jacaranda and Central Park, hedges and fruit trees planted close to the house give them a bridge straight to the roof.
Norway rats stay lower and closer to water. We find them along canal banks and seawalls in Plantation Acres and Melaleuca Isles, in drainage easements throughout the city, and around dumpsters at the retail centers near Broward Mall and University Drive. Because Plantation Acres still has larger lots with horse property and open drainage, ground-burrowing rodents are more common there than in the denser eastern neighborhoods.
Services available in Plantation
Rat and Mouse Removal Services in Plantation
Most Plantation 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 Plantation homes, from canal-front lots in Plantation Acres to newer construction in Jacaranda.Learn More →
Commercial Rodent ControlScheduled service with written visit logs for retail centers near Broward Mall and offices along University Drive and Broward Boulevard.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 hedge trimming advice for Plantation homes.Learn More →
Warning signs
Signs of Rats and Mice in a Plantation Home
Rodents move at night, so most Plantation 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 sprinkler 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 in Plantation 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 Plantation Home?
Roof rats cause most attic and hedge calls in Plantation, Norway rats show up along the canals, drainage easements and dumpsters, and house mice get into kitchens and garages. 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, hedges 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 along canal banks, drainage ditches and under sheds
- 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 Plantation 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 canal-side seawalls or banks
- Hedges, ficus trees and branches touching 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 Plantation Rodent Inspection
We look at the whole property, from the roofline to the canal bank. What we check depends on how the home is built and how close it sits to water or heavy landscaping.
Roof, attic and upper walls
- Soffit and fascia gaps
- Roof vents, gable vents and ridge vents
- Barrel tile edges and gaps where roof lines meet walls
- Attic insulation for tunnels, nests and droppings
- Wiring and AC ducts for chew damage
- Hedges, ficus trees and power lines touching the roof
Ground level and yard
- Pipe, AC line and dryer vent openings
- Garage door corners and bottom seals
- Canal banks, seawalls and drainage easements at the rear of the lot
- Sheds, woodpiles and storage areas
- Fruit 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 Plantation 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 over 35 diseases through their droppings, urine, saliva and bites. These are the main concerns for Plantation homeowners.
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. Canal banks and standing water after heavy rain are a concern here.
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 AC or sprinkler lines can cause leaks inside walls or the yard.
Myths vs facts
Rat Myths We Hear From Plantation 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 near canals get rats
- Fact: New construction in Jacaranda and Central Park gets rats too. Rats come for shelter, water and fruit trees, not just age or location.
- 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: 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 along a canal bank 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 canal, nearby hedges or a neighbor’s yard.
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 canal bank | Burrows are hard to find and reach | Bank inspection and ground-level sealing |
Who we serve in Plantation
Rodent Control for Plantation Homes and Businesses
Residential Rodent Control in Plantation
From canal-front lots in Plantation Acres and Melaleuca Isles to townhouses and single-family homes in Jacaranda and Central Park, each Plantation property has its own weak spots. We look at the roofline, attic, garage, yard and any canal bank or drainage easement, 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.
- Canal-front homes
- Townhouses and condos
- Gated communities
- Rentals
Commercial Rodent Control in Plantation
Retail centers and restaurants near Westfield Broward and along University Drive, plus offices along Broward Boulevard and Peters Road, deal with daily 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 stores
- Restaurants
- 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 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.
Rentals and HOA communities
Rodent Control for Plantation Rentals and Townhouse Communities
Plantation has a large number of rental homes, condos and HOA-governed townhouse communities, especially in Jacaranda, Melaleuca Isles and around Central Park. Landlords and property managers have different needs than a single homeowner.
For landlords and property managers
- Written inspection reports you can send to an owner or HOA board
- Service scheduled around tenant move-out or vacancy periods
- Exclusion work that meets most HOA exterior modification rules
- Follow-up visits documented for lease or insurance records
For tenants and unit owners
- Same inspection standard whether you own or rent
- Shared-wall townhouses checked for entry points from neighboring units
- Advice on what to report to a landlord or HOA versus what we can fix directly
- Fast scheduling since rodent problems in attached homes can spread next door
Area by area
Rodent Problems Across Plantation, Neighborhood by Neighborhood
Plantation covers a wide stretch of Broward County, from the canals near Fort Lauderdale to the larger lots out toward Sunrise. Here is what we usually check first in each area.
Plantation Acres and Melaleuca Isles
Larger lots, canal frontage and open drainage. Norway rats burrow along the banks, and roof rats use mature trees to reach the house. We check the whole waterline first.
Jacaranda and Central Park area
Family neighborhoods with heavy landscaping near Plantation Central Park. Hedges and fruit trees close to the roofline are the main entry path.
Historic Plantation and Broward Mall area
Older homes near the original 1950s and 1960s neighborhoods, with mature landscaping and retail centers nearby. We check both the attic and the dumpster areas at nearby businesses.
University Drive and Broward Boulevard corridor
Retail centers, offices and shared-wall commercial buildings. Scheduled commercial service with written logs is the usual fit here.
Plantation through the year
How Plantation Weather Changes Rodent Activity
Plantation has a tropical climate with a hot, wet summer and a shorter dry winter. Rodents stay active all year, but the weather changes where they go.
Rainy summer months
Afternoon storms from June to September raise water levels in the New River canals, flooding burrows and 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 Wilma in 2005 caused widespread wind damage and flooding across Broward County. Storm surge and canal overflow push rats out of burrows, and damaged soffits give them a way into the attic.
Tip: After a storm, walk around the house and check the roofline.
Cooler, drier winter months
On cooler nights from December to February, rats look for warm, dry attics. This is when many Plantation homeowners first hear them.
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, and a reason they stay close to the house through late spring and summer.
Tip: Pick fruit as it ripens and clear what falls every day.
Prevention
Simple Ways to Keep Rats Away From Your Plantation Home
Sealing the openings does most of the work. These habits help keep new rodents from moving in.
Yard, canal and garage
- Trim hedges and branches away from the roof
- Pick up fallen mangoes, avocados and citrus daily
- Keep bird seed and pet food in sealed bins
- Keep canal banks, seawalls and drainage easements free of clutter
- Store yard equipment off the ground
- 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 Plantation
Plantation is not one kind of property. What we do at a canal-front home in Plantation Acres is different from what we do at a townhouse in Jacaranda.
Norway Rats Along the Waterline
Larger lots with canal frontage and open drainage give Norway rats burrows close to the house, especially after heavy rain raises the water level.
Our approach: We inspect the canal bank and seawall, then bait and close off the ground-level entry points we find.
Roof Rats in Mature Landscaping
Decades-old ficus hedges, oaks and fruit trees planted since the 1950s give roof rats a direct bridge from the yard to the roofline.
Our approach: We give trimming advice for overhanging growth, inspect the roofline and attic, then seal soffit and vent gaps with metal and hardware cloth.
Garage and AC Line Gaps
Newer townhouses and single-family homes still get rats through garage door corners, AC line penetrations and shared walls with neighboring units.
Our approach: We check the garage and shared walls first, then seal the openings we find with metal flashing and hardware cloth.
Found droppings?
Found Droppings? Do This Before We Arrive
These steps follow CDC cleanup guidance and help keep your family 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 Plantation response zone
Plantation service coverage
Is your ZIP on the route?
Plantation spans several ZIP codes across Broward County. These are the ones we serve most, but we cover the whole city. Call if you do not see yours.
3331133313333173332233323333243332533388
Areas we serve
Check my address →
Plantation Acres · Melaleuca Isles · Jacaranda · Central Park area · Historic Plantation · University Drive corridor · Broward Boulevard corridor
Reviews from Plantation customers
Customer Reviews from Plantation
4.9★★★★★Based on 327 reviews
★★★★★
“Florida Rodent Control Pros did an excellent job at my home near the canal in Plantation Acres. They were prompt and thorough, and I haven’t seen any rodents since their visit.”
JD
John D.Plantation, 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.Plantation, 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.Plantation, FL
Verified Plantation rodent control FAQ
Rat and Mouse Questions From Plantation 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.
Norway rats are ground burrowers and stay close to water. Plantation Acres and Melaleuca Isles have canal frontage and open drainage that give them cover and an easy path to the yard. We check the bank and seal ground-level entry points as part of the job.
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.
Most HOA communities in Jacaranda and Central Park allow standard exclusion work like sealing vents and soffits, since it does not change the exterior look of the home. If your community has specific rules, we can adjust the plan and provide documentation for your HOA.
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 Sunrise, Davie, Fort Lauderdale, Lauderhill, Coral Springs and Tamarac. Call (561) 562-7607 to check your address.
Certified team
Trust and Compliance in Plantation
Certifications
- EPA Certified
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
- FDACS Certified
- Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Service in Plantation
- Available 24/7
- Call (561) 562-7607
- Follow-up visits
- We check back until rodent activity stops
Plantation dispatch is ready
Rats in Your Plantation 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 Plantation 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 PlantationPlantation, Florida(561) 562-7607Open 24 hours · 7 days a week
